Get there safe: Vauxhall retailer urges drivers to swot up on safe driving as the school run returns

Local Vauxhall retailer, SLM Vauxhall, is encouraging drivers in Tunbridge Wells to put safety first this September, as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) reveals that the school run is one of the most dangerous times for drivers to take to the road.

 

And with dark mornings and evenings on the way, the dealership on Dowding Way is keen to share top tips with drivers and families, to help keep children safe when walking to and from school.

 

According to RoSPA, around 30 child pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every week in Great Britain. And encouragingly, whilst this number seems to be falling year on year, for this trend to continue, the need for drivers to be extra-vigilant is more important than ever.

 

Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at RoSPA, explains: "Children often misjudge the speed and intentions of drivers and they are easily distracted, meaning they may dash out into the road without looking. This is more likely to occur on the way to and from school, when they see friends approaching, when they get off school buses and when they see parked vehicles."

 

Keeping kids safe

SLM Vauxhall is therefore encouraging drivers to brush up on their driving tips and follow advice on how to help keep kids safe this autumn:

When driving at school-run times, be alert and always be ready for the unexpected

Your speed can make the difference between life and death; always stay within the speed limit, or slower if the conditions require it

Drive carefully near schools and in residential areas, and always take extra care when passing a bus, as children may be getting on or off

Stop at pedestrian crossings to allow children to cross and remember, you must stop for School Crossing Patrols

Never wave a child across the road – there may be other traffic overtaking from behind you

 

Jonathan Tatlock, General Manager at SLM Vauxhall, says: "At Vauxhall, we are committed to helping keep drivers and pedestrians in and around Tunbridge Wells safe.

 

"With schools going back, more children will be taking to the streets and combined with the shorter daylight hours, there's never been a more appropriate time to remind drivers to take care."

 

Vigilance on and off the road

And it's not just on the road where accidents can occur. RoSPA also identifies cases where children are injured, and sometimes killed, in incidents involving vehicles reversing off a driveway.

 

Kevin Clinton explains: "Remember that you have a limited view and small children may not be visible in your mirrors. Always check around the vehicle using the mirrors and look over your shoulder, be aware of blind spots and reverse slowly. Ultimately, it's safer to drive off forwards if possible."

 

Jonathan Tatlock adds: "It is important for parents to set a good example when crossing roads and using pavements. Always use crossings, even if it involves a slight diversion and encourage children to follow the Green Cross Code of Stop, Look and Listen."

 

Other tips for parents include:

Help children to work out the safest routes for the journeys they make

Look out for cars reversing out of driveways and turning into car parks or buildings

Point out dangers to children, so they learn where the risk hotspots are

 

Vauxhall: safety in mind

So, with safety front of mind, it will come as welcome news to drivers to learn that Vauxhall's new driver and passenger safety technology is helping to make travelling safer for everyone.

 

Available in the family-friendly Zafira Tourer, and as a new addition to the spacious Astra range, is the innovative, all-new optional second-generation Front Camera system, which incorporates four key functions to enhance driver safety and convenience: Traffic Sign Assistant, Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Alert. These systems issue warnings to the driver to help prevent hazardous situations, such as when the driver is distracted or loses concentration.

 

The Traffic Sign Assistant functionality for example identifies key road signs, such as speed-limit warnings, no overtaking signs and even traffic restriction signs, whilst the Following Distance Indication, helps prevent collisions and encourages drivers to keep a safe distance from the car in front.

 

For further information on Vauxhall's full range of vehicles, including optional safety enhancements, please contact SLM Vauxhall at Dowding Way, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3UY. Alternatively, call 01892 500 300 or go online to www.slmvauxhall.co.uk.