Road safety campaign to safeguard young pedestrians and cyclists during high-risk months

Stay safe: Students from Stockton Riverside College are supporting the pedestrian campaign. Pictured (L-R) are Lily Richardson Vipan, Keiran Beattie-Lewis, Imogen Slingsby, Delroy Witbeen, and Layla Walker.

A road safety campaign is aiming to safeguard young people after the latest figures revealed that 58% of serious and fatal road collisions involving 11-17-year-olds occurred during the winter months – with many simply down to a failure to look properly.

Local authority campaign group Road Safety GB North East (RSGB NE) has launched the campaign with the help of students from Stockton Riverside College and police and fire services in an effort to reduce the number of young pedestrians and cyclists being hurt and killed on the roads.

During the last five years, two-thirds of collisions involving young pedestrians were at least partially caused by their failure to look before stepping out.

However, failing to look properly also featured prominently in child cyclist injuries as well – but this was often due to the motorist failing to see the young person on their bike.

Peter Slater, Chair of RSGB NE, urged drivers to slow down and stay alert for more vulnerable road users, and he encouraged young people to stop before stepping out and to be more visible by wearing something bright or reflective during the dark nights.

During the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, 1,141 young pedestrians and cyclists aged 11–17 were injured on North East roads. Of them, six were killed and 286 were left with serious injuries.

Boys accounted for two-thirds of the total casualties, increasing to 72% of serious injuries and 83% of fatalities. The most high-risk group is 13-year-old boys.

“We are urging young people to ‘stay bright’ during the winter months so they are visible, and to stop and look before stepping out,” said Peter.

“We are asking parents to talk to their children and teenagers about the risks when they are out and about with their friends. A failure to look by young pedestrians and cyclists, and distraction from friends or mobile phones, are an increasing risk, but they can be easily avoided.

“We are asking all pedestrians and cyclists to pay attention, take out their earbuds and make sure they look both ways before crossing. However, drivers need to slow down and stay below the limit, particularly in built-up areas and near schools. Keeping young people safe is everyone’s responsibility.”

“Drivers, however, need to slow down and stay below the limit, particularly in built-up and residential areas, and near schools. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep young people safe on the roads.”

The figures showed 11-13-year-old boys and 11-year-old girls see the highest pedestrian injury numbers, and 15-year-old boys the highest cyclist injury numbers of all ages in the region.

With the help of students from Stockton Riverside College, RSGB NE has produced social media videos to highlight common risks and promote safety advice to help keep young people safe.

Student Keiran Beattie-Lewis, 17, said: “Staying safe on the roads is so important; a single mistake can cost you your future. When you’re out at night, it’s even harder for drivers to see you, so it’s up to you to make sure you’re visible. Remember, be bright, be seen, and stay safe on the roads at night.”

Student Lily Richardson Vipan, 18, said: “I wanted to get involved in this campaign because I’m at the age where I’m learning to drive, and now I’m becoming more aware of everything around me when out at night. It’s important that everyone takes their time and is prepared. We can all make it a safer place.”

Inspector Phil Patterson, of Northumbria Police, said: “We all have a role in keeping people safe on our roads, especially those who are more at risk, such as pedestrians and those on bicycles. We urge everyone to take extra care – and where possible use pedestrian crossings and enhance your visibility through clothing and lighting. We urge motorists to remain vigilant in the colder and darker conditions.”

Group Manager Steve Thomas, Head of Prevention and Education at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Service deals with hundreds of serious road traffic collisions every year and it’s devasting to think of the impact a young fatality can have on the person’s family. We urge you to please drive responsibly especially in hazardous conditions.”

Strategic Roads Policing Inspector Andy Howarth, at Durham Constabulary, said: “County Durham and Darlington are largely rural areas and not everywhere has street lighting. At this time of year, drivers are encouraged to be extra cautious in the evenings and pedestrians can maximise their safety by wearing something bright to attract the attention of drivers when out and about.”

Matthew Lidster, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s Road & Water Safety Coordinator, said: “During the darker winter months, it’s vital to take extra care. Young people, ‘be safe, be seen’ by wearing reflective clothing and staying alert. Together, we can prevent avoidable tragedies and keep everyone safe to ensure everyone gets home safely.”

Cleveland Police Sergeant Mark Kewley said: “Keeping people safe is a priority. We’d like to remind pedestrians to wear something that makes them visible to road users and don’t be distracted when crossing the road – whether that be by friends or mobile phones. Don’t mess around at the side of the road with friends, as this can distract drivers and cause collisions.”

The table below shows that the highest number of 11-17 pedestrian and cyclist casualties are seen in County Durham, Sunderland and Newcastle, which are among the most populous local authority areas in the region.