School run costs lives

The school run is responsible for 7000 deaths and injuries every year, according to a new report from insurance company More Than.

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The school run is responsible for 7000 deaths and injuries every year, according to a new report from insurance company More Than.

More Than’s Motoring Risk Report highlights the risks of driving children to school, and calls on the Government to consider staggering school opening times, to reduce risks and congestion.

The school run creates a peak in stop-start driving, the number of pedestrians stepping out into the road, and congestion around school gates – all of which pose significant accident risks. The report claims that a 10% reduction in school commuting could prevent 190 deaths and injuries each year.

The research coincides with the start of national Walk to School Week (May 23-27), during which parents are urged to ditch the car for the school run.

Since 1991, the number of pupils walking to school has fallen by 7%, while car use has increased by the same amount during that time. More Than claims that 56% of all school journeys are now made by car, while buses account for a further 19% of school transport.

David Pitt, head of More Than, told Whatcar.com: ‘It is shocking how much impact the school run has on the levels of accidents affecting Britain’s school children. While many people feel it is safer to drop their children off at the school gates by car, they may unknowingly be increasing their risk.’

Commenting on the report, a DfT spokesperson told Whatcar.com: ‘The Government wants to encourage safe, sustainable travel to school. We are spending over £20 million this year to support sustainable school travel initiatives, including walking, and investing £14 million promoting road safety messages through the Think campaign.’