Children share serious road safety message as darker evenings arrive

In a new video, pupils share their own messages about staying safe on and around Gloucestershire’s roads, reminding drivers and other road users of the part everyone can play in keeping people safe.

The video has been produced ahead of the clocks going back on Sunday 25 October and focuses on the importance of road safety for children walking and cycling as winter approaches.

Cllr Linda Cohen, cabinet member for education and skills at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “The children from Gloucester Academy have shared a serious message in such a simple and powerful way.

“As the clocks change and the evenings get darker, we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe. If you’re driving, slow down, put your phone away and stay alert, particularly around schools and places where children and young people are crossing.

“If you’re walking, cycling, walking your dog or riding a horse, think about your visibility too. Reflective clothing and lights help other road users see you sooner. A little extra care from everyone can make our roads safer.”

It comes as Gloucestershire County Council continues its wider work to make roads safer across the county through its Safer Roads and Community 20s programme, which is taking an evidence-led and community-focused approach to reducing speeds in places where they can make the biggest difference. 

Community 20s looks at lower speed limits in places where people live and work and which are used by vulnerable road users, including children and older people. Safer Roads focuses on reducing speed limits on higher-speed roads where there is a history of casualties.

The programme is designed to reduce deaths and injuries on Gloucestershire’s roads and create safer conditions for people to walk, wheel and cycle. 

Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety at Gloucestershire County Council said: “We are determined to make our roads and communities safer. Through Community 20s and Safer Roads we are listening to local communities and looking at where lower speeds can make a real difference.

“Children should be able to walk, wheel or cycle around their communities as safely as possible. Road safety is something we all have a responsibility for, and I hope people will watch the children’s messages and take them to heart.”

The council is encouraging residents to watch and share the Gloucester Academy video and, as the darker months arrive, to take extra care and look out for more vulnerable road users.

To watch the video go here https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PHsowVOmTmo?feature=share