THE EFFECTS OF A CHILDREN'S TRAFFIC CLUB

This report uses road accident statistics to assess the effects of the Traffic Club on child casualties between the ages of three to six years. The club pilot scheme was launched in seven Eastern Counties in 1990 and responses were compared with those from six control counties from the Eastern Region and the Midlands. A total of 11 514 records were extracted from the STATS19 database. All types of casualty were analysed, for four years before the start of the pilot scheme and four years after. There was found to be a significant (20 per cent) reduction in casualties involving children emerging from behind a vehicle. Other reductions were observed but were not statistically significant, including a 12 per cent reduction in all casualties and an additional reduction of four per cent in all pedestrian casualties. There was a slightly higher usage of child restraints amongst Club members. For the covering abstract see IRRD 875988.