Children using scooters to get to school must take care

Children zooming to school on scooters must take care, a hospital medical director has warned.

Dr Ruth Charlton, a consultant paediatrician and joint medical director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, urged children to scoot safely according to an article online in your local guardian.co.uk.

See my previous blog about the apparent increase in road traffic accidents involving children due to scooter use:

Dr Charlton said: “We know that children love playing on scooters, and for many families, it’s a faster and more enjoyable way to get children to school.

“But unfortunately, over recent years, there has been a national rise in the number of young children hurt and seriously injured in road accidents.

“That’s why we’re asking all local parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children as they walk, cycle, scoot or skateboard their way to school.”

The warning comes as AXA Motor Insurance and Road Safety Analysis research reveals more than 1,000 children a month are hurt on roads near schools.

Dr Charlton said: “Of course, we know that accidents happen and no matter how closely you watch youngsters, you can’t always prevent them falling over, or coming off their bikes or scooters.

“That’s why I would always suggest that children wear a good cycling helmet, knee and elbow pads when they’re travelling on two wheels.

“Accidents can be likely to happen as children become less aware of their surroundings when travelling at speed, so it’s also important that you engage with children – especially little ones – and teach them about road safety.”