Cornish children march for 'safer roads' after 2020 saw 90 killed or injured
Thousands are taking part in road safety walks, organised by the charity Brake
Last updated 22nd Jun 2022
Schoolchildren across the country are marching for safer roads, as data reveals the number killed or injured in Cornwall.
Figures from road safety charity Brake show it was 90 under-16s in the Duchy in 2020, down from 106 the year before.
However across the wider South West region, 19 youngsters are killed or injured every week.
Now Brake as organised walks across the UK, with over 90,000 children between the ages of four and 11 taking part to promote safer roads and learn key safety messages.
Scott Williams, head of programme delivery at Brake, said: "It's every child's right to be able to walk in their community without fear of traffic and pollution. It is vital that children can walk safely in the places where they live.
"We’re delighted that so many children, schools and families are taking part in Brake's Kids Walk 2022 and shouting out for the things they need to make safe journeys".
Since 2019, there has been a reported 15% decrease in the amount of child road casualties in Cornwall.
However despite the drop, the latest Department for Transport figures show that 712 children under the age of 16 were killed or injured on South West roads in 2020 with an average of 994 over the last five years.
A manifesto, provided by Brake to schools taking part in its awareness walks, is calling for road safety to be included on the curriculum for all schoolchildren to help lower this number in our region and nationwide.
As part of the walk, teachers are also encourage to run special road-safety-themed assemblies, lessons and fun activities, using free resources from Brake and featuring Shaun the Sheep and his friends.
David McMillan, CEO at esure Group added: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with Brake’s Kids Walk and to raise awareness of the importance of safer roads and cleaner air for schoolchildren across the UK.
"Brake's Kids Walk is an important opportunity to raise awareness about road safety messages".
You can read more about the awareness walks and find resources on the Brake's Kids Walk on the charity's website.