ÖAMTC warns of increased accident risk from children's walking patterns at start of school

Background: Why children are particularly at risk in road traffic

According to the ÖAMTC, the most common cause of accidents involving children in road traffic is suddenly emerging from an obstructed view, such as between parked cars. Crossing the road away from designated crossings also represents a typical risk. Adult road users should therefore expect unexpected movements, particularly near schools, bus stops, and playgrounds.

The ÖAMTC recommends that drivers significantly reduce their speed and be prepared to brake in areas with schoolchildren. Maintaining the legal following distance and consistently stopping at pedestrian crossings are also key factors in reducing the risk of accidents. Particularly in the first weeks after the start of school, increased uncertainty on the part of children should be expected.

ÖAMTC recommendations for drivers

Traffic psychologist Marion Seidenberger also emphasizes the importance of practice and familiarization. Children who regularly walk their route to school develop, over time, a better feel for road traffic. Parents should accompany their children in the first days and practice safe routes and suitable crossing points together.

In this context, the club also points to infrastructural improvements that municipalities can make for the safety of schoolchildren. These include traffic-calmed zones in front of schools, highly visible markings, and sufficient traffic lights at heavily used crossings. According to the ÖAMTC, such measures could noticeably reduce the number of pedestrian accidents involving children.

Role of parents and schools

In addition to the responsibility of drivers, the ÖAMTC also sees schools and parents as having a duty. Traffic education in class, as well as regular conversations about dangers in road traffic, could help raise children's awareness of potential risks. Wearing light or reflective clothing in particular increases visibility in poor light conditions.

The ÖAMTC has traditionally used the start of school as an occasion for road safety campaigns. With the current advisory, the aim is to increase awareness on the roads particularly in the first weeks of school, in order to avoid serious accidents involving children as far as possible.

The ÖAMTC states verbatim: „Gerade zu Schulbeginn empfiehlt der ÖAMTC daher, die unterschiedlichen Bedürfnisse und das langsamere, teilweise unvorhersehbare Gangbild von Kindern zu berücksichtigen." This recommendation is directed equally at frequent professional drivers and occasional drivers.

Road safety also in the afternoon

Overall, the ÖAMTC calls for a joint effort by all road users to increase the safety of vulnerable groups in road traffic. According to the club's assessment, anticipatory driving and mutual consideration could help keep accident figures low in the coming weeks.

Marion Seidenberger concludes by emphasizing that the first days of school represent a period of adjustment for many children during which they should be accompanied with particular attention. Anyone who shows additional consideration as a driver during this time makes an important contribution to road safety.

According to the club, the ÖAMTC's guidance applies not only to the classic route to school, but also to leisure activities in the afternoon, such as the way to a sports club or to meet friends. Here too, increased pedestrian traffic should be expected.