As more than nine million children return to school across the UK this week, parents and carers are being encouraged to consider the example they set behind the wheel.
Around half of school-age children in the UK are driven to school by car, according to National Travel Survey data, making the daily school run an important opportunity to demonstrate safe and responsible driving.
Breakdown provider Start Rescue says children can spend around four hours each week travelling in a car with parents or carers, giving younger passengers plenty of opportunity to observe how adults behave on the road.
Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, said: “Children spend an average of four hours per week in a car with parents or carers. This is valuable time to teach kids good driving habits such as remaining calm, always wearing a seatbelt, sticking to speed limits, and not using a mobile phone while driving.”
School-run habits can leave a lasting impression
The return to school traditionally brings increased traffic around residential areas and school entrances, where congestion, limited parking and time pressures can make journeys particularly challenging.
Start Rescue highlights speeding, eating or drinking while driving, mobile phone use and tailgating among the poor habits children may witness during the school run.
While youngsters may be years away from getting behind the wheel themselves, regularly seeing responsible driving can help establish an early understanding of appropriate behaviour on the road.
Simple habits such as wearing a seatbelt on every journey, observing speed limits, leaving a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and avoiding distractions can all provide a positive example.
Remaining patient is equally important, particularly during busy drop-off and collection periods when traffic around schools can quickly become congested.
Puffett added: “We all want our children to be safe on the roads, whether as passengers or when they begin to drive themselves. That good driving journey starts with parents and carers to set the right example.
“With an increased volume of traffic on the road as students return, remember every day is a school day in the car.”
Setting an example for tomorrow’s drivers
The message comes as an estimated 9.38 million schoolchildren return to classrooms, bringing the familiar increase in morning and afternoon traffic across the country.
For parents and carers, the school run may therefore provide more than simply transport from home to the classroom. Everyday behaviour behind the wheel can help shape children’s attitudes towards road safety long before they become drivers themselves.
Start Rescue is part of the Call Assist group and provides breakdown cover across the UK and Europe. The company has achieved Which? Recommended Provider status for seven consecutive years and is also a Which? Trusted Trader.
It currently holds a 4.7-star Trustpilot rating and a five-star Defaqto rating for its three-star breakdown policy, and was named Best Breakdown Cover Provider in the Finder Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024.
