Parent safety tips for first day on the school run

Parent safety tips for first day on the school run

· take it easy on the school run

· look for ways to reduce the risks children face – as passengers, cyclists or pedestrians

Breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging parents and children to make safety their number one priority on journeys to and from school.

As the new school year approaches, GEM urges everyone - from toddlers to senior citizens - to be aware of the risks associated with using our roads. This is because more than 30 children are killed or seriously injured every week on the UK’s roads.

GEM chief executive Neil Worth comments: “Every child needs to learn how to use the roads safely, whether walking or cycling, and later when driving.

“But road collisions remain a leading cause of accidental death for children, and we know they can cause life-changing injuries. That’s why it is so important for us all to take responsibility - not just for our own safety but for the safety of any children who share the roads with us – and find ways to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.

“So as another school year begins, we encourage all parents, guardians, teachers, carers and older siblings to play their part in helping children to use the roads with respect, to recognise the risks they face and to understand effective ways of minimising those risks.”

GEM has compiled a selection of tips for parents and their children as the new school year begins:

· Try not to use the car for the school run. For some parents it’s essential, but for many others there are healthier alternatives. Find out about any local safe walking initiatives that may operate at your child’s school. Team up with neighbours and walk together.

· It’s cool to be bright: kit your kids out with high visibility fluorescent or reflective jackets, vests or belts.

· If you have to drive to school, allow plenty of time to park safely and legally. Don’t pull up on zig-zag lines outside a school, and respect local residents by not blocking driveways and access points.

· Respect speed limits. Many areas around schools are subject to 20mph speed limits (either permanent or timed), and you will face a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you are caught speeding.

· Do your bit to help the crossing patrol. Be patient and always be prepared to stop. Remember, it’s an offence not to stop at a patrol’s signal.

· If you drive older children who don’t need escorting into the school premises, make sure they get out of the car in a safe location, and never let them step out into the road instead of the pavement.

Read more road safety advice for children:

- Just how distracting can kids be in cars

- Child car seat laws on the move

Keep up to date with the latest news from GEM Motoring Assist at:

Twitter: @motoringassist

Facebook: @gemmotoringassist

Instagram: @gem_motoringassist

LinkedIn: @gem-motoring-assist-limited

GEM Motoring Assist is a members’ motoring and road safety organisation in the UK. Our aim is to keep our members on the move… whether that’s through our breakdown recovery service or our motoring and road safety expertise.

Join GEM for simple and straightforward, all-inclusive personal breakdown cover.