News

Children and parents across Poole are being told to belt up as part of School Transport Safety Week, 23 to 30 September 2002.

The message, supported by rally driver Colin McRae, follows results from a recent survey which revealed that on average well over a third of children counted while travelling to school in Poole were not belted up.

Lesley Hart, Poole's Road Safety Education Officer, said: "The survey showed that 36% of children were not wearing their seat belts, which is very disappointing as this is an increase of 2% over last year."

Figures published by the Department for Transport (Dft) show that the number of children who died while travelling in cars went up from 49 to 75 and this was the main reason for the overall increase in child road deaths between 2000 and 2001.

Lesley added: "The numbers of children whose lives are being put at risk every day on their journey to school is staggeringly high. As part of our on-going campaign we are joining BUSK this year in their bookmark scheme. Through the scheme, a brightly coloured eye catching bookmark endorsed by Colin McRae will be sent to every pupil in the Borough."

Colin's message to everyone is - 'Seatbelts saved my life. Belt up - enjoy yours'.

To help get the message across, every school in Poole will receive a supply of bookmarks each carrying vital road safety messages.

23 - 29 September is also Road Safety Week 2002, which aims to encourage people to start taking more care on the roads and Slow Down!