Extra vigilance calls as children return to school (From Dudley News)

Extra vigilance calls as children return to school

8:00am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News

FOR many youngsters across the borough, today is back to school day after the long summer holidays.

For motorists particularly, it will mean a return to busier roads and lots of youngsters about at rush hour for the first time in six weeks.

West Midlands Ambulance chiefs have issued warnings to drivers and pedestrians to be extra vigilant over the next few weeks - when the 999 service typically experiences a rise in calls.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Tracey Morrell, said: “The last thing we want to do is appear like the nanny state, but the reality is that we often see a short term rise in the number of youngsters who are injured in the first few weeks of the new school year.

“We’ve all been enjoying the quieter roads on our journeys to and from work so drivers will probably need to factor extra time into their commute.

“With children as good as wedded to their music, phones and the like, they often aren’t as aware of cars as we’d hope they would be, especially as they re-new friendships and talk about their holiday adventures.

“There will also be squads of youngsters riding to school for the first time. We’d ask drivers to be mindful as some may not be accustomed to riding in traffic.

“We’d urge all parents to ensure that their kids wear a properly fitted helmet and learn the skills to ride safely. Equally, make sure they have the appropriate reflective items for when it gets dark. Both motorists and cyclists need to respect each other.

“A little common sense should keep everyone safe and mean no-one has to meet our staff!”