UK PARENTS are going to extreme lengths to ensure their kids are following road rules as modern gadgets and electric vehicles increase risks to pedestrians.
A study of 1,200 mums and dads with kids aged six to 17 found the majority of parents were making an effort to instill good road awareness in their children.
It comes as experts warn parents to make sure their kids are aware of road safety rules to “stop needless tragedies before they happen”.
The ZenAuto study, supported by road safety charity Brake, found more than eight in 10 parents were concerned about modern road safety issues.
These included their children not hearing electric vehicles, wearing headphones roadside, and using gadgets while walking.
Meanwhile, 28 per cent of parents worried their children ignored road safety rules altogether.
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A quarter of parents had resorted to secretly following their child to school, and just under a third admitted they had even hidden behind lampposts to make sure their youngster was safe.
About 40 per cent of children aged between nine and 11 told researchers they paid less attention when around their friends, and about a third said they did not always look left and right before crossing.
Some child respondents also admitted to crossing the road without checking first, and running out in front of an approaching car in hope that they would make it.
The research also revealed gaps in children’s knowledge of electric vehicles – registrations of which have soared in the UK, with a 92 per cent increase in 2021 compared to 2020.
More than a quarter of children did not realise electric vehicles were quieter and quicker to accelerate than traditional fuel vehicles.
ZenAuto has developed a new set of road safety guidelines to upskill children and in turn make parents feel more confident.
Spokeswoman Gemma Baco said the updated Green Car Cross Code would “give parents and children additional guidance to help them be more vigilant when they cross the road in the modern world.”
“Our own data has shown that over the last three months, electric vehicles have accounted for 43 per cent of all orders, on average,” Ms Baco said.
Fronting the Green Car Cross Code campaign is TV presenter Konnie Huq, who said it was important kids were “tuned into” modern road safety dangers.
“Just because they can’t hear a car doesn’t mean there isn’t one nearby,” Ms Huq said.
To find out more about the Green Car Cross Code and to put your road safety knowledge to the test, click here.
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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.”
