We often see in the roadside that there are childrens who always cross the road irrespective of traffic.Its not their problem.
Research by academics at Royal Holloway College, London University, has shown that they may be unable to even detect approaching cars.
“Children’s perceptual limitations place them at greater risk of stepping in front of cars travelling at higher speeds,” the study notes.
“Driving over 20mph in a residential or school area not only increases the potential severity of any impact, but also increases the risk that a child will injudiciously cross in front.”
According to the latest casualty figures released by the Department for Transport, 1.655 pedestrians under 15 were killed or seriously injured in 2009.
Prof John Wann, one of the authors of the report said the study bolstered the case for slowing traffic down to 20mph in residential areas.
“There’s strong evidence that children may make risky crossing judgements when vehicles are travelling at 30 or 40mph.
“The vehicles that they are more likely to step in front of are the faster vehicles that are more likely to result in a fatality.
“Travelling one mile though a residential area at 20mph vs. 30mph will only add 60 seconds to journey time. We encourage drivers to take a minute and save a child’s life”.
A number of cities have introduced a 20mph limit in residential areas including Portsmouth and Hull.
The previous Government was keen to encourage their widespread introduction and considered changing the guidance to local authorities.
However this policy has not been followed by the Coalition, with ministers stressing that the decision rested with councils.
Anna Semlyen, Campaign Manager for 20s Plenty for Us, called for lower limits to be introduced.
“It’s simplistic to blame children saying they “run out”, without checking,” she said.
“But this study suggests it is fast motor vehicles that create the errors, as it is then impossible for kids to make correct judgments. It’s up to adults to protect children through 20mph limits and for drivers to obey the signs.”
“The vehicles that they are more likely to step in front of are the faster vehicles that are more likely to result in a fatality.
“Travelling one mile though a residential area at 20mph vs. 30mph will only add 60 seconds to journey time. We encourage drivers to take a minute and save a child’s life”.
A number of cities have introduced a 20mph limit in residential areas including Portsmouth and Hull.
The previous Government was keen to encourage their widespread introduction and considered changing the guidance to local authorities.
However this policy has not been followed by the Coalition, with ministers stressing that the decision rested with councils.
Anna Semlyen, Campaign Manager for 20s Plenty for Us, called for lower limits to be introduced.
“It’s simplistic to blame children saying they “run out”, without checking,” she said.
“But this study suggests it is fast motor vehicles that create the errors, as it is then impossible for kids to make correct judgments. It’s up to adults to protect children through 20mph limits and for drivers to obey the signs.”
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