We all need to take care as we travel on the roads – whether in the car, on foot or by bike – but children are particularly vulnerable. Here's our child safety guide to keep every UK family safe on the roads.

Walking

Every year about 1,600 children aged 11 or under are killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads. Many of these accidents are preventable if road safety advice is followed. For a sober lesson in road safety, children can play games on the government’s Tales of the Road website (http://talesoftheroad.direct.gov.uk/), although you might want to check it out first as it’s not for the fainthearted! The following tips will also help:

1) Set a good example

Children are notorious copycats, so encourage good road safety by setting a good example with your own habits.

2) Follow the green cross code

Find a safe place to cross, stop, look and listen for traffic, cross when it’s safe, and don’t run. Walk a route with your child and point out safe and unsafe places to cross before you let them attempt it alone.

3) Be bright, be seen

Bright, fluorescent and reflective clothing will help motorists see your children in twilight or at night. Various options including armbands and reflective strips can be added to clothing and schoolbags, and reflective stickers are available for older kids.

Cycling

It is important that any child cycling on the road understands road rules and road signs. It is strongly recommended that a child takes cycling proficiency classes before they cycle alone. Ask your local authority or go to Bikeability (http://www.bikeability.org.uk/) to find out about classes in your local area and follow these tips for safe cycling.

1) Safety

Make sure that your child wears a helmet of the correct size to protect them in a fall. Ensure that the cyclist is visible to motorists by using lights, reflectors and bright or reflective clothing.

2) Maintenance

Keep bikes in good condition (check brakes, lights and tyres) and ensure your child knows how to check the bike over before they ride it.

3) Plan the route

Map out the route in advance, avoid main roads and use cycle lanes as much as possible.

In the car

When a car crashes the momentum of the passengers will keep them moving unless they are restrained, leading to serious or fatal injuries. Seatbelts are designed to do this job for adults, but children, because of their different size and physiology need different methods of restraint.

With very few exceptions, the law now states that it is illegal for children under 14 to be transported in a vehicle without the appropriate child seat or restraint (including booster seats and booster cushions). Go to www.childcarseats.org.uk to find out about the appropriate restraint for your child’s age and height.

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