More than 900,000 children aged four and five will be stepping into classrooms for the first time next week. With the new school year about to begin in England and Wales, GEM Motoring Assist is reminding parents, carers, and all road users of the vital importance of safety on school journeys.
Despite significant progress in road safety, around one in five child road casualties still happen during trips to and from school. High-visibility vests, reflective jackets, and bright accessories may seem simple, but they can be life-saving on busy streets.
GEM is calling on families to avoid dangerous behaviours such as double parking, blocking no-stopping zones, ignoring speed limits, parking illegally, or letting children cross the road unsupervised. Each of these actions, while often linked to convenience or impatience, significantly increases the risks for young pedestrians.
James Luckhurst, GEM’s head of road safety, stressed the urgency of the message:
“Tragically, 34 children under 16 lost their lives on Britain’s roads in 2023, while 1,433 suffered serious injuries, and more than 9,000 were recorded casualties overall. Research shows that around 20 per cent of these incidents occur during school journeys.
“That’s why it’s crucial to equip every child with the knowledge and habits to stay safe – whether they’re walking, cycling, or travelling by car. Walking to school can help children develop independence, make friends, and stay active. If families must drive, children should always be properly secured, and cars must be parked safely and legally.”
Reducing the Risks
To support parents and children as the school year begins, GEM has compiled a set of practical safety tips:
- Equip children with reflective belts, bags, or coats featuring fluorescent stripes.
- Explore safe route schemes or cycle alongside children where safe cycle paths are available.
- Walk in groups to increase visibility and share responsibility.
- If driving, allow extra time to park safely and legally, away from zig-zag lines and private driveways.
- Ensure children never step directly from a car into the road.
- Practise safe crossing routes with children until they are confident.
- Adhere to 20mph speed limits in school zones.
- Always respect and stop for school crossing patrols – a safeguard for children and a legal requirement.
With thousands of children heading back to classrooms, GEM’s message is clear: safer habits on the school run protect not only our youngest road users but also the wider community.
