Staying Safe On The Road Is A Family Affair

22nd May 2009

Staying Safe On The Road Is A Family Affair, Says RoSPA

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents is urging mums, dads, carers and children to remember road safety is a family affair this half-term.

RoSPA is supporting the UK's first National Family Week, with a message that everyone can do their bit for each other's well-being on the road.

It is the first in a series of accident prevention messages being shared by the safety charity to mark the special week.

While National Family Week, which starts on Monday (May 25), aims to bring families together, all too often a long car ride can have the opposite effect on relatives.

Tempers can get frayed and whoever is behind the wheel can be distracted, with potentially tragic consequences.

In 2007, distraction inside a vehicle was recorded as contributing to more than 3,000 accidents, 75 of which resulted in fatalities. Often, restless youngsters can take a driver's focus off the road, so before setting out, why not chat to your children about how they can play their part in keeping everybody safe. Also make sure there is plenty to keep children occupied on long journeys.

Safety starts even before a trip. Ensuring everyone is strapped in securely is vital. And planning your journey, for example the route you will take, can save time, money and stress.

If you use a sat nav, programme it before you set off so you will not need to take your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel while you are driving. Similarly, switch off your phone and let voicemail do its job.
A good plan will also take account of the need for breaks in long journeys, scheduling in leg-stretching stops and even an overnight stay on especially lengthy trips. Driver sleepiness is estimated to account for around one fifth of accidents on major roads, and is responsible for around 300 deaths every year.

In addition, vehicles should always be checked before long journeys, so if you haven't recently checked your vehicle's water and oil levels, as well as tyre pressure and condition, a family outing is the ideal time to do so.

Kevin Clinton, RoSPA head of road safety, said: "Whether you're taking the children to your local park this half term, or trekking across the country with granny for a fortnight's summer break by the beach, the whole family can be involved in road safety.

"It is essential everyone is secure, which for younger children will mean making sure the car seats or booster cushions are installed correctly.

"And it always makes sense to plan your journey before you set out. Finally, make the most of the opportunity to help your children learn about road safety."

RoSPA is raising awareness of how we can all play a part in water, home, and road safety, as well as safety education, as part of National Family Week.
For more information on family road safety, see www.rospa.com/roadsafety/ and www.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk/ for more on National Family Week.