IAM: Extra care needed on UK roads this month

07/10/2010 11:55

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is urging drivers to take extra car when doing the school run this month.

October is International Walk to School Month, and as such more parents and children will opt to travel on foot.

Neil Greig, IAM director of policy and research, said motorists ought to give young children extra space since they will not always be paying attention, while they should also leave the house in good time so as not be in a hurry and under pressure.

"Any initiative that gets children out of the car and walking is good for their health, the environment and for decreasing congestion, but it has to be done safely," Mr Greig said.

Parents should use the month to educate their children about the dangers of the road and the importance of the green cross code, he added.

According to IAM figures, 12-year-olds are three-times as likely to be killed or injured on the road than ten-year-olds, since the latter often travel to school on their own.

Some 40 countries took part in International Walk to School Month last year.