This report analyses the characteristics of traffic accidents involving children. The frequency and types of accidents are examined according to severity and category of road user. Past trends in various member countries are reviewed. Methodological problems in assessing the risks incurred by children are discussed and a review of a number of studies of children's exposure to risk is presented. A study is conducted of the capability of children to recognise dangerous situations and behave appropriately. It is shown how capabilities and limitations differ with the child's development, hence the differences in the consequences of measures aimed at improving children's safety. One chapter is devoted to the behaviour of children in traffic and their limited capabilities and assesses the effectiveness of safety programmes. Results of empirical national studies are reviewed. Measures to protect children in traffic are listed: infrastructure measures to prevent children (pedestrians or cyclists) from becoming involved in accidents; traffic restriction in specific zones, speed limits, traffic segregation; driver behaviour as regards children's safety; place of the child in society. Details are given of safety equiment for children as passengers in motor vehicles, as pedestrians, as cyclists. Tne need for future research is emphasized.
Abstract