Vias: ‘Parents’ role decisive in how children experience road safety’

According to a recent Vias Road Safety Institute study, parents play a decisive role in how 5th- and 6th-grade students perceive traffic. Parents usually decide the means of transport – often the car – for practical reasons, fearing that their child or other road users will not comply with the traffic rules or that their child will be involved in an accident.

If children had complete freedom in choosing their mode of transport, the car would not necessarily be their preferred choice. They would probably opt for the bike. Bicycles are particularly popular among children, both for transportation and for recreation.

Bicycle helmet

The children who participated in the study rated various traffic behaviors intended to protect them. For instance, children consider safety belts “inconvenient” and not particularly useful,” which is, of course, not correct.

Some children dispute the usefulness of a bicycle helmet due to discomfort, unattractiveness, or the belief that it is unnecessary to protect their heads. A helmet reduces the risk of a severe head injury by 60%. Vias is, therefore, in favor of making bicycle helmets mandatory for children up to 14. Helmet wearing is already compulsory for children up to a specific age limit in 12 European countries.

Three types of risky behavior

Children identify three behaviors as potentially dangerous in terms of road safety and accidents: speed, alcohol, and distraction behind the wheel. They’re also relatively critical of their parents. Phone use is considered the primary source of distraction for drivers, including their parents. Children are also well aware of the importance of not being distracted and paying attention to traffic.

Finally, Vias would like to give five golden tips at the start of the new school year: As an adult, always set a good example by respecting traffic rules everywhere. Ensure your child leaves for school on time, so there is no need to rush. Practice the route to school and point out possible dangerous situations to your child. Involve your child in choosing the means of transport to go to school. Talk to your child about road safety.