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In recent years, road safety concerns around schools have intensified, with growing traffic volumes, speeding vehicles, and the ever-present danger of accidents endangering children on their way to and from school. And some schools across the UK are taking matters into their own hands to address these pressing safety issues.
With increased pressure on local authorities to make roads around schools safer, some schools have opted to implement their own initiatives. These actions range from road closures during drop-off and pick-up times to engaging parents and the community to drive more carefully. But are these measures enough, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of schools leading the charge on road safety?
Schools taking a proactive approach to road safety come with several key benefits:
- 1. Immediate Action: One of the most significant advantages of schools leading their own initiatives is the speed at which they can make changes. Road safety measures implemented by local authorities can take months, if not years, due to bureaucracy and budget constraints. In contrast, schools can implement temporary road closures or safe drop-off zones much faster, providing immediate benefits to student safety.
- 2. Increased Community Engagement: Schools taking matters into their own hands often encourage the involvement of parents, teachers, and local communities. Whether through awareness campaigns, working with parents to change driving habits, or collaborating with local police, this involvement fosters a shared responsibility for the safety of children. It ensures everyone is more aware of the dangers, and collectively, they contribute to reducing risks.
- 3. Tailored Solutions: Every school is unique, and so are its surroundings. Schools that develop their own road safety plans can create tailored solutions that work for their specific location. For example, a rural school with narrow lanes will need a different approach compared to a city school surrounded by busy intersections.
While there are clear advantages, there are also some potential downsides to schools independently addressing road safety:
- 1. Lack of Expertise: Schools are primarily focused on education, not traffic management, so without proper training and expertise, school-led safety measures may not always align with the best road safety practices. Without guidance from traffic safety experts or local authorities, certain decisions—though well-intentioned—could inadvertently lead to other safety issues.
- 2. Limited Resources: Many schools already operate with limited budgets, and adding road safety initiatives can put additional strain on their financial resources. Implementing road closures, signage, or hiring crossing guards may require funding that schools simply do not have.
- 3. Temporary Solutions: Schools can only do so much without the support of local councils. Many school-led road safety initiatives are temporary measures that work in the short term but are not designed to last. Without long-term changes such as speed reduction zones, more permanent infrastructure like traffic lights, or enforced regulations, the dangers around schools may persist.
While it’s commendable that schools are stepping in to protect their students, long-term solutions require collaboration with local authorities. It’s vital that councils provide adequate support, including more permanent traffic control measures and regular patrols around school zones. In addition, fleet managers who oversee vehicles near school areas can play a vital role in ensuring road safety.
Fleet managers should be proactive in ensuring drivers are aware of the increased risks around schools, particularly during peak times. Such as river training on road safety around schools, especially regarding speed reduction and awareness of crossing children. Vehicles could also be equipped with advanced safety features such as collision detection systems and dash cameras, further promoting safety in these high-risk areas.
Collaboration is key
While it’s encouraging to see schools taking the lead on road safety, a more collaborative approach between schools, local authorities, and fleet managers is essential for long-term success. With all stakeholders working together, we can significantly reduce the risks children face on their way to school, ultimately making the roads safer for everyone.
06 October 2024