A newly developed road safety code encourages children to be aware of electric vehicles – after it emerged that more than a quarter don't realise they are quieter than traditional fuel vehicles. Parents have revealed their biggest concerns when it comes to modern road safety issues faced by their children – with not being able to hear electric cars a top worry.
Other parental worries include their youngsters using gadgets while walking – including watching TikTok videos, making videos for social media, or listening to music through headphones while roadside. In fact, a poll of 2,000 mums and dads, and their children aged six to 17, found that over a quarter (28 per cent) worry their offspring ignore road safety rules altogether.
And 37 per cent believe their children are less sensible when out and about with friends – resulting in 26 per cent vetting who their children walk with. One in four (26 per cent) have secretly followed their kids to school to keep an eye on them – and a third (32 per cent) have gone as far as hiding behind lampposts, to ensure youngsters are looking left and right on the road.
But over half of parents (55 per cent) are doing everything they can to instil good road awareness in their children. This includes walking local routes with them to build familiarity (38 per cent), talking about road safety during walks (37 per cent), and getting them to watch road safety videos online (29 per cent). Others warn their children not to listen to music when they’re out and about (40 per cent), and make them wear bright clothing (30 per cent).
To raise awareness of pedestrian road safety in the wake of the growing number of electric vehicles on Britain’s roads, an updated set of road safety guidelines for kids has been unveiled by TV presenter Konnie Huq. ZenAuto, which commissioned the research, and also created a road safety quiz where users can test their knowledge, is supported by road safety charity Brake.
The newly developed “Green Car Cross Code” aims to upskill children – and, in turn, make parents feel more confident.
Konnie Huq said: “Electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles are great for the planet and for reducing pollution in our towns and cities. But they are typically quieter and can accelerate quicker – which is why it’s important that kids are tuned into modern road safety dangers. Just because they can’t hear a car, doesn’t mean there isn’t one nearby.”
Last year saw the biggest annual increase in the number of electric cars registered in the UK, with more than 395,000 battery-electric cars logged – a growth of 92 per cent on 2020. But the study found more than a quarter of children (27 per cent) don’t realise electric vehicles are quieter than traditional fuel vehicles. And 30 per cent didn’t think an electric car can increase its speed more quickly compared to a petrol or diesel car.
It also emerged only two-thirds (68 per cent) of children, aged between nine and 11, always look left and right before crossing – and 43 per cent admit they pay less attention when around their friends. More than a third (34 per cent) haven’t waited for the green man at a crossing, while 36 per cent have walked in the road instead of on the pavement.
And 28 per cent have crossed the road without checking first, while 26 per cent have run out in front of an approaching car in the hope that they will make it across. To find out more about the Green Car Cross Code and to put your road safety knowledge to the test, visit here.
Gemma Bacon, for ZenAuto, said: “Our own data has shown that over the last three months, electric vehicles have accounted for 43 per cent of all orders, on average. We’re not trying to replace the original Green Cross Code, which was made famous in the 1970s.
“This campaign is all about giving parents and children additional guidance to help them be more vigilant when they cross the road in the modern world.”
Mary Williams, OBE, chief executive at Brake, said: “Road crashes are devastating events for families, friends, and communities, and we see this first-hand through our work supporting families affected by road death and injury. By engaging children and young people with key road safety issues, and helping them speak out about the need for safe and healthy journeys, we can make our communities safer, help people to live active lifestyles, and stop needless tragedies before they happen.”
