The first report in a decade into the road safety of our children on Britain’s roads was released today, with an emotional topic highlighting many issues and identifying ways to improve road safety.

The report, produced in partnership with RoadSafe – combining the UK’s leading experts and authorities on road safety – could be highly influential in persuading the government to work closer with local authorities to make the most dangerous routes near schools and shops safer for children.

Since the AA Motoring Trust report into child accident rates ten years ago, 32,849 children have been killed or seriously injured on Britain''s roads. 

AXA car insurance has joined forces with RoadSafe, Road Safety GB, Road Safety Analysis, The Good Schools Guide and Colas to improve the road safety standards for children in the UK.

Perhaps the most shocking fact is that pedestrian casualties for young girls – specifically those under eight-years-old – are at their highest level since 2005, having risen by 38 per cent between 2010 and 2011. And for those aged between five and seven-years-old, there has been a 45 per cent increase in the number of reported serious road accidents.

Meanwhile, 32 per cent of pedestrians involved in serious accidents during the ‘school run’ are 11 to 12-years-old. Girls are at a much higher risk, with both 11-year-old boys and girls three times more likely to be hit by a vehicle than a ten-year-old. 

   
“Parents often ask for guidance on how best to keep their children safe on our roads,” explained Adrian Walsh, founder of road safety lobbying group RoadSafe. “They need to know when and where they may be at risk, whether travelling in cars, walking, cycling or playing.  This report helps to put these risks into context.”

The report also claims that while road safety education initiatives have been hugely beneficial, new dangers emerge as children make the transition to adulthood and acquire mobile phones – between 13 to 15 years-old.

There is a direct correlation between pedestrian accidents between 3pm to 3pm and mobile phone usage by children during the same period.

Research by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) shows that the average Euro NCAP rating for car occupants in super minis in the last three years is eighty-two per cent while for pedestrians it is much lower, at 53 per cent. It says there needs to be a new focus on bringing pedestrian safety up to the level now enjoyed by car occupants.

IAM chief executive Simon Best added: “While the people in the car are much safer, in the case of a crash with a child pedestrian or cyclist, the front of the car is not as forgiving. Much more can and should be done through car design to minimise the damage caused by hard metal on soft tissue.”