Staying Safe

Between 2005 and 2010 there were over 2500 child road accident casualties in Hampshire.

12-19 year olds are more likely than other road users to be killed or seriously injured in a road incident

Worryingly, 42% of Capital FM listeners in Hampshire aged 12 - 16 who were surveyed, admitted to 'sometimes' using a mobile phone whilst crossing the road. With almost 1 in 5 teenagers reporting they've been involved in a road accident or "near miss" on their way home from school.

Why is this?

It is likely that you are travelling more independently now and as a result you can be easily distracted by your friends or hand-held devices. Talking and messing about with friends, texting, talking on a phone and listening to music are all distractions that make pedestrians less safe.

What can you do?

• Make sure you plan your journeys carefully choosing the safest not the shortest route and using safe crossing places where you can.
• Make yourself seen to traffic wearing bright colours during the day and reflective materials when dark.
• Always give the road your FULL attention. Use voicemail, turn your music off, it can all wait until you are safely across the road.
• Remember it takes 23 metres for a car travelling at 30mph to stop - that's about 6 car lengths, and this doubles when wet!