![[image]](http://collateral.prmax.co.uk/collateral/63889.jpg "45252-1.jpg")
PRESS RELEASE
04 September 2014
GEM Motoring Assist offers parent safety tips for their first day on the school run
BREAKDOWN ANDroad safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist is urging parents to make safety their number one priority on journeys to and from school.
GEM chief executive David Williams MBE comments: "Around 750,000 children will be arriving at school for the first time this week. Their thoughts will focus on new teacher, new classroom and making new friends, so we want to help their parents ensure there are as few risks as possible on their journeys to and from school."
Insurance industry figures from 2013* show that 37% of local school areas had at least one child road injury each year between 2006 and 2011, meaning there are still more than 1,000 child injuries on local roads around British schools.
"Clearly one child casualty is one too many," continues David Williams. "Remaining calm, allowing plenty of time and avoiding any risky time-saving short cuts are the best strategies for new parents on the school run."
GEM has compiled six tips for parents and their children as the new school year begins:
- Find out about any local safe walking initiatives that may operate at your child's school. Team up with neighbours and walk together. Brush up your knowledge of the Highway Code, and establish safe routes and safe places to cross any roads.
- Respect speed limits. Many areas around schools are subject to 20mph speed limits (either permanent or timed), and you will face a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you are caught speeding.
- Respect the crossing patrol. Be patient and always be prepared to stop. Remember, it's an offence not to stop at a patrol's signal
- Think bright: kit your kids out with high visibility fluorescent or reflective jackets, vests or belts.
- If you need to drive, then always allow plenty of time to park safely and legally. Don't pull up on zig-zag lines outside a school, and respect local residents by not blocking driveways and access points.
- If you have older children who don't need escorting into school, always make sure they get out in a safe location, and never let them step out into the road instead of the pavement.
Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist for the latest industry news.
-Ends-
Notes for editors
* Research data from Road Safety Analysis and Axa Car Insurance
GEM Motoring Assist provides two levels of recovery service; Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, to suit all needs and pockets. All GEM policies also include free Accident Management, so members are also fully covered in this area.
GEM provides a unique, comprehensive and competitively-priced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Recovery Service. GEM has also been voted number one for Breakdown Cover in the 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010 and 2008 Auto Express Driver Power Survey, and runners-up in 2012 and 2009.
GEM Motoring Assist is a trading name of The Guild of Experienced Motorists, established in 1932, as an independent driver-based road safety association. GEM's aim is to improve safety for all road users through the sponsorship and initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and to provide motoring and safety information to its own members. Member benefits include a quarterly magazine, free literature and advice and discounts on insurances and other services.
Press information: David Williams MBE, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist, is available for comment on 01342-825676 (office) or 07711450560 (mobile). David Williams was awarded the MBE in 1998 for services to road safety. Alternatively you can emailpress@motoringassist.comfor any further information.