Back to school: Attention, surprise children
Every year in Switzerland, 950 children up to the age of 14 are involved in road accidents while walking, scooting or cycling - 40 % of them on their way to school. A total of 190 children are seriously injured in these accidents each year, and seven lose their lives. Crossing the road is particularly tricky, even on the supposedly "safe" pedestrian crossing. With its safety campaign, the BFU reminds all drivers to pay double attention at the start of the school year.
On foot, by scooter or by bicycle - every year 950 children up to the age of 14 have an accident in Switzerland. Road traffic. 190 children are seriously injured and seven children are killed each year. In 40 % of the cases, the children have an accident on their way to school. At the start of school, the BFU safety campaign The BFU therefore reminds drivers of their special responsibility along routes to school. The BFU implements this with the support of the police. It is financed by the Road Safety Fund.
Children often behave surprisingly on the sidewalk, the street and at and on the pedestrian crossing and thus put themselves in danger. They do not do this on purpose, but because they are children. For example, they have a limited field of vision due to their height. Depending on their age, their awareness of danger is not yet very well developed. And they are more easily distracted. For children up to around 10 years of age, it is also difficult to judge how fast a car is traveling on the road.
Pedestrian crossing only supposedly safe
Crossing the street is particularly tricky. Because: Children also surprise other road users there. For this reason, the BFU advises drivers to slow down in front of a pedestrian crossing, to always be ready to brake and to always come to a complete stop - especially when children want to cross the road. It is also important never to overtake at a pedestrian crossing and to around schools to drive especially carefully.
Parents and caregivers also have an important role to play. They can show children the right way to behave at pedestrian crossings: Wait until all vehicles stop. Walk across the street, don't run. Parents should also practice walking to school with their child before school starts.
Tips for parents, caregivers and authorities
- With the child the Practice going to school
- Choose the safest route - it's not always the shortest one
- As a teacher, discuss the way to school at the parents' evening.
- As an authority, give the necessary priority to school building allocation and school route planning
Tips for vehicle drivers
- With children expect anything
- Slow down tempo
- Be ready to brake
- Stop completely at pedestrian crossing
- Pay double attention around schools
About the campaign: www.doppelt-aufpassen.ch
