The British Institute of Traffic Education Research (BITER) is conducting a project on road safety for children transferring from primary school to secondary school, on behalf of the UK's Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The project is primarily concerned with children aged 10-12; it began in Autumn 1996, and is due to finish in Spring 1999. This paper outlines the project and the stages that have been completed so far. The purpose of the research is to develop and evaluate a road safety training and awareness resource and programme, to ensure that primary school children have developed the skills required to match the independence that they will be given in secondary school. The project also directly addresses the issue of involving the parents and carers of this group of children. The project tasks and timetable are as follows. Stage 1 (October 1996 to March 1997) reviewed resources, visited schools, and considered initial options. Stage 2 (April 1997 to April 1998) surveyed parents and had group discussions with parents and with Year 6 and Year 7 children. The results of Stages 1 and 2 have helped to point the way for the other three stages, yet to come, which will cover development, education, and the final report and `product' revision.
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