Menu
30/10/2003
Lowering speed restrictions could save thousands of lives
A reduction in the speed limit to 20mph in residential areas could cut child death and injury on the roads by two-thirds, the Health Development Agency has claimed today.
The agency said that if put into practice, the move would save around 13,000 children from death or injury on the roads each year.
Road injuries are responsible for 20% of all deaths of children in England. The HDA said that at 20mph, one in every 20 child pedestrians are killed but at 40mph this rises to 17 in 20.
In the report, 'Prevention and reduction of accidental injury in children and older people', the agency said that children from poorer social classes were at a disproportionately higher risk of accidental death and injury than children from richer groups.
Road accidents, the agency said, showed one of the worst differences in health inequality – whereby the death rate for pedestrian accidents was five times higher for children from the lowest social class compared to those from the highest social class.
Paul Streets, Chief Executive of the HDA, said: “It’s shocking that in 21st century England, children are more likely to die because of the social class they are born into. The difference in road injury rates between poor and rich children is a stark and unacceptable example of health inequality.
"We know what works - it’s time to use that knowledge and save young lives."
The need for 20mph speed restrictions in areas of higher pedestrian activity is supported by the findings of the Accidental Injury Task Force report to the Chief Medical Officer, which recommended they be introduced "as a priority".
(gmcg)
The agency said that if put into practice, the move would save around 13,000 children from death or injury on the roads each year.
Road injuries are responsible for 20% of all deaths of children in England. The HDA said that at 20mph, one in every 20 child pedestrians are killed but at 40mph this rises to 17 in 20.
In the report, 'Prevention and reduction of accidental injury in children and older people', the agency said that children from poorer social classes were at a disproportionately higher risk of accidental death and injury than children from richer groups.
Road accidents, the agency said, showed one of the worst differences in health inequality – whereby the death rate for pedestrian accidents was five times higher for children from the lowest social class compared to those from the highest social class.
Paul Streets, Chief Executive of the HDA, said: “It’s shocking that in 21st century England, children are more likely to die because of the social class they are born into. The difference in road injury rates between poor and rich children is a stark and unacceptable example of health inequality.
"We know what works - it’s time to use that knowledge and save young lives."
The need for 20mph speed restrictions in areas of higher pedestrian activity is supported by the findings of the Accidental Injury Task Force report to the Chief Medical Officer, which recommended they be introduced "as a priority".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
07 November 2008
Head Injury Link With Hyperactivity Probed
Head injury in young children is not a cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but early injury may be associated with a subsequent diagnosis of ADHD, concludes a study published on the leading medical website, bmj.com today.
Head Injury Link With Hyperactivity Probed
Head injury in young children is not a cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but early injury may be associated with a subsequent diagnosis of ADHD, concludes a study published on the leading medical website, bmj.com today.
07 July 2006
Poorest children have highest death from injury risk
Children from the poorest families in England and Wales face greater risks of dying from injury than children in all other social groups, a study has claimed. Ten years ago, the death rate from injury and poisoning for children in the lowest social class was five times greater than that for children in the highest social class.
Poorest children have highest death from injury risk
Children from the poorest families in England and Wales face greater risks of dying from injury than children in all other social groups, a study has claimed. Ten years ago, the death rate from injury and poisoning for children in the lowest social class was five times greater than that for children in the highest social class.
15 January 2009
Couple To Be Sentenced Over Baby Death
The parents of a baby boy who died in hospital from a head injury, are to be sentenced later today. Alfie Goddard was just three months old when he died at Sheffield Children's Hospital in May 2008, after suffering a fatal head injury two days earlier.
Couple To Be Sentenced Over Baby Death
The parents of a baby boy who died in hospital from a head injury, are to be sentenced later today. Alfie Goddard was just three months old when he died at Sheffield Children's Hospital in May 2008, after suffering a fatal head injury two days earlier.
23 May 2013
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
Charities Highlight Rise In Children Abusing Children
Children’s charities have warned that an increasing number of children are being abused by other children, adding that their helplines have seen a growing number of calls from children about sexual abuse.
19 April 2012
Children's Society Warns Benefit Changes Could Leave Children Hungry
A children’s charity has warned that plans to simplify the welfare system could result in thousands of England's poorest children missing out on free school meals. The meals are linked to low-income benefits that are among those merging into a single Universal Credit in 2013.
Children's Society Warns Benefit Changes Could Leave Children Hungry
A children’s charity has warned that plans to simplify the welfare system could result in thousands of England's poorest children missing out on free school meals. The meals are linked to low-income benefits that are among those merging into a single Universal Credit in 2013.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
