Bid to cut child death toll and serious injuries

A pre-school children's road safety education programme in North Yorkshire was launched at the Bilton Children's Centre in Harrogate on friday 17th July.
17/7/15 Pic Doug Moody — A pre-school children's road safety education programme in North Yorkshire was launched at the Bilton Children's Centre in Harrogate on friday 17th July. 17/7/15 Pic Doug Moody

WalkWise aims to start early with pre-school children and their parents and is on offer to centres such as playgroups and parents of three-year-olds.

“More than 170 children were hurt on our roads last year – 27 of them seriously,” said County Coun Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Road Safety.

“That’s an increase on the previous year, and its essential that we do all we can to get that number down.”

Children are at greater risk if they live in the main urban areas and WalkWise will focus on Scarborough, Selby and Harrogate.

“There are a number of key health priorities which can also be tackled by promoting safer and more active travel, so as well as road safety this is about wider benefits,” said County Coun David Chance, Executive Member for Public Health.

WalkWise includes its own website, as well as learning-through-play resources and storybooks which help parents and carers to teach road safety lessons appropriate for pre-school children.

“I would encourage all those involved with pre-school children to take advantage of this excellent programme,” said Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner.

WalkWise received financial support from Public Health, Highways and North Yorkshire Police through the 95 Alive Partnership.