Keeping our children safe near the roads

Bury Council’s road safety officers have finished another year of helping to keep our children free from harm on the highway.

As part of their work, staff hold road safety lessons in local schools to help boost pupils’ knowledge and confidence.

Each session covers themes from the ‘Green Cross Code’ in Year 2 to preparing to drive in Year 11, and children in Year 3 and Year 5 are also given the opportunity to participate in pedestrian training.

Last year the team delivered 384 sessions in primary schools, of which 109 were practical pedestrian training lessons, and 195 sessions in secondary schools, to a total of 10,000 pupils.

The team also supports the Crucial Crew scheme to help Year 6 children to develop life skills and promote good citizenship. It also oversees the Bikeability cycle training contract which is delivered by the Nationwide Cycling Academy.

Some of the most popular events are the Child Car Seat Clinics in July. In the last five years, 542 child car seats were inspected and only 56% were fitted correctly or were suitable for the child or vehicle. These highlight how the team’s work can inform the public and potential save lives.

Jan Brabin, senior road safety officer, said: “We have an excellent relationship with local schools and pupils, who will see us each year. We are making good progress at reducing child road casualties and the schools programme helps young people to make informed, safe decisions.”

Some 34 people were killed or seriously injured on the roads in Bury during 2015, down 46% from the 2005-9 average. Bury is one of only two councils in Greater Manchester to have already achieved the 2020 forecast for casualty reduction.

The team also works in the community with youth groups, parent and toddler groups and those with additional needs, taking part in campaigns and at events such as Bury Carnival and Alcohol Awareness week.

For more details on the work of the road safety team, see http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=11306

ENDS

Press release issued: 13 December 2016.

Picture: Road safety officer Ted Booker gives advice to Year 4 pupils at Greenmount CP School.