Police issue warning over children’s safety this summer

As more children are out and about on the roads, officers say they will continue to work alongside other agencies to educate youngsters on road safety – but they are asking parents to help them.

Chief Insp. Debbie Howard, who oversees road policing, said: “While figures show our roads are now the safest they have been in years, we are keen to reduce this further.

“During the summer holidays, we find many children spend time outside enjoying themselves. We want them to have fun but it is important they keep safe on the roads.

“I would encourage parents to remind their children of the importance of taking care on the roads. Pedestrian crossings should always be used where they are available and children need to be aware of the dangers of using mobile phones and mp3 players while they are walking near busy roads.”

Between July, 2010 and June, 2011, 109 children were seriously injured on the county’s roads and 644 children slightly injured. There were no fatalities.

This compares to four fatalities, 103 serious injuries and 657 slight injuries amongst children between July, 2009 and June, 2010.