The objective of the research was to gain an in-depth qualitative understanding of parents' views about their children's exposure to road traffic injury risk in disadvantaged areas in order to inform intervention development as part of the Neighbourhood Road Safety Initiative. The study involved focus groups facilitated by a moderator with thematic content analysis of data. Focus groups were conducted in 11 of the most deprived local authorities in England, which also have the highest child pedestrian injury rates. Research was carried out in community venues within each deprived area. The participants were parents of children aged 9-14 living in disadvantaged areas. The findings showed that parents felt the main reasons that led children to play in the streets were: that children liked playing out with their friends near home; a lack of accessible parks that are well maintained, with good facilities, and which are safe and secure for children; a lack of accessible, affordable clubs; and a lack of parental responsibility. Parents felt that the main risks for children playing in the street were: illegal riding and driving, especially around estates and on the pavements; the speed and volume of traffic; illegal parking; drivers being poorly informed about where children play; and children's risk-taking behaviour. The study concludes that intervention programmes need to consider holistically how living in disadvantaged areas increases road traffic injury risks for children by considering the wider determinants of exposure to risk. Multi-agency partnerships involving the community are needed, utilising traditional road safety approaches, such as education, engineering and enforcement, alongside the provision of safe, accessible facilities in terms of public space, activities for children and greater support for parents. For the covering abstract see ITRD E0903020.
Samenvatting