Skip to main content

Survey finds one third of parents witness near misses outside schools

A detailed survey carried out by international tyre manufacturer Bridgestone, road charity Brake and internet-based market research firm YouGov has revealed that a third of primary school parents have witnessed near misses outside the school gates. More than half of parents are also worried about their child’s safety near roads on the school run, as autumn arrives and the nights get darker. The survey also revealed that: Two thirds see 4-11 year olds crossing the road without holding the hand of an a
October 8, 2014 Read time: 2 mins
A detailed survey carried out by international tyre manufacturer Bridgestone, road charity 4235 Brake and internet-based market research firm YouGov has revealed that a third of primary school parents  have witnessed near misses outside the school gates.

More than half of parents are also worried about their child’s safety near roads on the school run, as autumn arrives and the nights get darker.

The survey also revealed that: Two thirds see 4-11 year olds crossing the road without holding the hand of an adult; 17 per cent of school run drivers admit to parking illegally, not in designated areas; One quarter state they are more likely to drive their children to school in autumn/winter; and over three quarters of these are more likely to drive their child to school in bad weather.

Bridgestone and Brake are asking drivers to take care when driving near schools, slowing right down to 20mph or lower to give children a chance and reduce the near misses.

Bridgestone’s managing director John McNaught said: “With the days becoming shorter and weather conditions expected to become more challenging for drivers, now is ideal time to launch an awareness campaign.

“We commissioned research from YouGov, questioning 1,000 primary school parents, in an attempt to reinforce our safety messages. The findings certainly backed up our initial fears about road safety on the school run and we are glad to be partnering with Brake to raise awareness.”

Sarah-Jane Martin, spokesperson from Brake, said: “These are shocking figures, showing just how risky the journey to school can be for kids and parents. We’re asking all drivers to slow down and take care, especially around homes, schools and shops. We need to make sure our kids and people of all ages – not just the lucky few – can walk and cycle without being endangered.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Independence and mobility key for older drivers, IAM report finds
    February 18, 2016
    The majority of older drivers want to continue driving as long as they are safely able, according to a survey commissioned by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), citing independence and convenience as the main reasons. The report, Keeping Older Drivers Safe and Mobile, surveyed more than 2,600 drivers and ex-drivers between the ages of 55 and 101 and was written by Dr Carol Hawley from the University of Warwick Medical School. Although the report found 84 per cent of driver respondents rated th
  • McCain scrambles for school prize
    May 10, 2022
    School zone safety project, with signalised pedestrian-only intersection, impresses Caltrans
  • Car owners fear in-car connectivity technology
    August 2, 2012
    In-car technology is revolutionising the driving experience, especially when it comes to connectivity options, including mobile device connection to the Internet, navigation systems, emergency response systems, and driving habit monitoring devices. Yet, it is claimed that more than three in four car owners (76 per cent) report that they believe in-car connectivity technologies are too distracting and even dangerous to have. In addition, more than half (55 per cent) argue that automakers have taken technolog
  • Study reveals major concerns over the security of connected cars
    March 2, 2016
    New research has revealed that half of British drivers (49 per cent) are concerned about the safety of the connected car, with automotive manufacturers also admitting there could be a security lag of up to three years before systems catch up with cyber threats. The report, commissioned by Veracode and carried out by the International Data Corporation (IDC), revealed half of drivers are concerned about the security of driver-aid applications, such as adaptive cruise control, self-parking, and collision av