Through projects outlined in the Pack, pupils will also get the chance to develop their road user skills through a range of experiences. Younger children will learn basic skills such as the importance of holding hands with an adult when crossing the road, and the Green Cross Code. Older pupils will learn cycle skills, how to travel independently and also be taught about safe driving.
Today’s launch event at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium in Dumbarton was chaired by Councillor May Smillie, Convener for Educational Services, and was attended by teachers, pupils, parents and representatives from the Council and across Scotland.
Councillor Smillie explained: “Learning about road safety across different areas of the curriculum will provide relevant, challenging and enjoyable learning experiences for children and young people. It will make road safety education more meaningful and young people will see the relevance of what they are learning to their everyday lives.
We hope that other local authorities across the country may show an interest in using the Pack in their schools and would be happy to share our experiences with them.”
Councillor William Hendrie, the Council’s Convener for Housing, Environmental Services and Economic Development, added: “Children and young people are extremely vulnerable road users – their lack of experience puts them at greater risk. Although the number of children killed or seriously injured on our roads has fallen in the past 10 years, one death or injury is still one too many. The Scottish Government has set a target of reducing child road deaths by 50% and serious injuries by 65% by 2020, and we as a Council hope to meet this target.
Research also suggests that children who have a good road safety education make safer drivers as adults due to the positive attitudes and behaviour that they pick up as young children, so the experiences our pupils will benefit from in our schools will also prepare them well for later life.”
