Hebden Bridge News

Watch out – Children about!

Calderdale Council’s road safety team is issuing a warning to parents and drivers to be aware of children playing on or near the road as summer approaches. Last year, 95 children were injured on our roads; 43 pedestrians, 9 cyclists, 3 as either riders or passengers on powered two wheelers and 40 as car passengers.

The largest increase in casualties was seen amongst the 0 – 4 year old pedestrian group, with 10 being injured (the average for the last 5 years being 5)

Child pedestrians are the largest group of casualties. As the days stay lighter for longer, children have a new sense of freedom and often stay out into the early evening. With more children out near the roads the risk of them being injured increases.

Parents are urged to keep a close eye on young children and to spend time teaching children the rules of the road. The Green Cross Code is an important starting point in learning how to keep safe. Children need to be able to demonstrate that they understand the rules of keeping safe before they are out on their own.

Drivers are urged to take extra care and remember that even 20mph can be too fast when children are playing out. Increased speed means increased risk on residential streets and around schools, parks and play areas.

Any vehicle can become a lethal weapon – as a driver, slowing down and allowing more time to stop can mean the difference between life and death.

Councillor Amanda Byrne, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Environment, says:

“It is a shock to see that casualties in children up to four years have doubled in the past year. We all need to take extra care out on the roads, especially in residential areas.

“If we can reduce speed and be more aware of children playing out this summer we can help to reduce this figure.”

The Green Cross Code can be found in the front of the Highway Code and a book of GCC stickers are available from the Councils’ Road Safety team, tel. 01422 392803.

For more details please contact Kate Marsh on 014222 392815 or email Kate.marsh@calderdale.gov.uk