The work between policy and practice
Road safety progress depends on more than commitments. It requires sustained action, strong partnerships, and accountability to ensure that policies…
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The European Road Safety Charter of the European Commission, has recently published a new Article focusing on safer children journeys to school.
While the European Union has made long-term progress in reducing road deaths, recent data shows improvement has slowed, highlighting the need for renewed action – especially for vulnerable road users such as children. There are several factors that may contribute to risk during school travel, such as the increase in private car as default mode to travel to school, traffic congestion, infrastructure and vehicle safety. Some countermeasures include school streets, improved infrastructure such as crossings and good visibility around schools and road safety education and awareness for children and parents.
There are various actions that can be implemented to improve the safety of children. Some examples are:
- School streets: By implementing school streets, roads around schools are closed for vehicles at the start and end of the school day. Designated drop-off points can be used by parents who bring their children to school by car.
- Safe infrastructure: Crossings, good visibility, speed restrictions and separated infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists can improve the safety of the school area.
- Education and awareness: Road safety education for children and parents can improve safe behaviour and decision-making. Parents can be encouraged to swap their car for a bike to bring their children to school.
