WITH the new school year now underway, breakdown road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging parents and children to make safety their number one priority on journeys to and from school.

“Every child needs to learn how to use the roads safely, whether walking or cycling, and later when driving,” says GEM road safety officer Neil Worth.

“But road accidents remain a leading cause of accidental death for children, and we know they can cause life-changing injuries. Figures show that pedestrian casualties peak at the age of 11 to 12. For cyclists, the most vulnerable age is 14.

"GEM wants to encourage everyone – from toddlers to senior citizens – to be aware of the risks that go with using our roads."

Figures from the National Office for Statistics show that accidental land transport deaths were the second largest killer of boys and girls aged 5 to 19 in 2015.

In fact, more than 130 children die, and another 4,500 are seriously injured every year while cycling or walking on the UK’s roads. What’s more, 20 per cent of all injuries occur on school journeys.

“That’s why it is so important for us all to take responsibility - not just for our own safety but for the safety of any children who share the roads with us – and find ways to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries.

"Gem wants all parents, guardians, teachers, carers and older siblings to play their part in helping children to use the roads with respect and safely."