Burstow urges kids to be safe and seen this winter

3.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 16th Nov 2005

With the evenings drawing in, local MP Paul Burstow is reminding pedestrians, and in particular children, of the importance of being safe and being seen on the winter roads.

Last year alone, 303 children in Greater London were killed or seriously injured on the roads.

Children in Year 1 across the Sutton and Cheam area will be receiving reflectors through the Nationwide 'Cats' Eyes for Kids' scheme and should wear them if they are out and about this winter.

Welcoming the scheme, Mr Burstow backed the Nationwide scheme's tips for staying safe when walking along roads this winter:

• "Firstly, make sure that drivers can see you in the bad weather especially, by wearing bright or fluorescent clothing

• If you are out on dark evenings always wear something reflective

• Make sure you find a safe place to cross the road where traffic can see you, and always remember to stop, look and listen

• Choose routes that are well-lit by streetlights and cross the road at well-lit places"

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow said:

"With the return of the long winter nights, our children face greater risks on our roads and it's ever more important to remember the how crucial basic road safety is. Although the number of children is falling each year we can't afford to be complacent."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Over 1 million reflectors and teaching resource packs will be distributed directly to Year One pupils through individuals primary schools during October and November. More information about road safety and details about Cats' Eyes, including how obtain, including how to obtain extra reflectors, can be found on the Nationwide website www.nationwide.co.uk

2. A child pedestrian is visible at 30 metres with low beam headlights (ca. 1.2 seconds reaction time at 50mph). Pedestrian reflectors have been used successfully Scandinavian/Nordic countries for more than 30 years. According to research, children there are eight times safer (source: Central Organisation for Traffic Safety in Finland) with a reflector than without.

3. Road Casualties Great Britain 2004 - figures are published annually and information can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_transstats/documents/page/dft_transstats_041303.hcsp

The figures reveal that in 2004 303 children in Greater London were killed or seriously injured in road accidents.

4. The latest Government advice about road safety can be found at http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk