PARENTS and children have been urged to take special care on the roads as more than 800,000 pupils prepare to return to school next week.
The National Safety Council says the new school year will, as ever, be marked by an overnight transformation" on the road, with marked increases in car, pedestrian and cyclist traffic. It has appealed to all road users to remember that "taking care saves lives".
The council advises that children under seven should not cross roads on their own, but should be accompanied by an adult. Children walking on country roads should wear reflective armbands.
Pupils travelling by bus should be taught to take special care when getting on or off public transport. While waiting for the bus, they should stand well in on the foot path or grass verge. Before crossing the road, they should wait until the bus has moved off and they can see clearly in both directions.
Parents should think twice" about allowing their children to cycle to school, the council believes. No child under the age of 10 should be allowed to cycle in any sort of traffic.
Drivers are advised to place their children in the back seat and to use a safety restraint.