Children road safety
More than 8,000 children aged 0-14 years have been killed in road traffic collisions over the last ten years in the European Union. Half of the children killed were travelling in cars, 1/3 were walking and 1/10 were cycling. One in every 13 child deaths in the European Union occurs as a result of a road collision, according to a research recently published by the European Transport Safety Council (DEKRA Road Safety Report 2019)
In Greece, in 2017, 12 children died, 30 were seriously injured and another 500 faced only minor injuries while involved in a road accidents. 60% of them were travelling by cars, while 40% were pedestrians.
As children are growing up...
and the boundaries of their world are expanding beyond their home or school, they are increasingly using the road system as pedestrians, cyclists or vehicle occupants.
Their curiosity and impulsiveness is present in parks and streets cities that are not designed to adequately protect them from road accidents.
At the same time because of their young age they have:
Limited awareness of trasport risks, the degree of which depends on their parents’ attitudes
Limited ability to understand complex traffic environments
Did you know that... Children aged up to 6 years are often able to focus on only one feature, e.g. the color of the vehicle approaching rather than its speed; Children 6 – 12 years old may have difficulties in making a quick and correct decision critical to their safety when conditions are complex or beyond what they have learned from their parents or teachers?
Decreased ability to react when a threatening event occurs
Limited physical endurance
Did you know that... By the age of 6-7 years the children’s bones are not fully developed, and their skulls are softer than those of adults; Head injury even in a low-speed bicycle accident can lead to death or paralysis.
Children are the most vulnerable road users!
Directions for improvement
Training of children, parents and teachers on Road Safety
Improvement of their ability to identify and cope with transport risks as pedestrians, cyclists and vehicle occupants. See the Road Safety Program for Children offered by Make Roads Safe Hellas using the EASST Road Safety Education Pack.
Raising awareness to parents about the proper use of car seats and Child Restraint Systems (CRSs)
The use of Child Restraint Systems (CRSs) that are suitable for the age, weight and height of children aged up to 12 years is mandatory when transporting children by car, according to the National Traffic Code. See Make Roads Safe Hellas awareness raising activities targeting to increase the use of children car seats.
Creating a safe environment around schools
Research indicates that the probability of a road accident in school areas is particularly high during the peak time of children’s arrival and departure to/from school. Incorrect road design, inadequate signage and high speeds expose children to significant risk. Supporting the Global Children's Health Initiative we aim to ensure a safe journey to and from school for all children by 2030. Learn about our "Star Rating for Schools – SR4S" programs that we are implementing in collaboration with iRAP. The programs include evaluation of the school's road environment and development of a risk mitigation plan in cooperation with the School Management, teachers, parents and local authorities.