Zero child deaths – a first since records began

New figures show that no children were killed on Lothian and Borders’ roads last year - for the first time since records began in 1927. Lifestyle changes (children are more likely to be indoors using computer games or watching television than playing in the street) and the introduction of 20mph zones and speed bumps on many residential streets are being seen as the main reasons for the improvement.

The number of children seriously injured also fell by 18 per cent in the 12 months up to the end of March 2004. The number of slight injuries also fell by 11 per cent. Both figures have reached a 50-year low.

The number of adults killed on the roads, however, rose significantly in the same period - from 35 to 47. Nine of these deaths involved motorcyclists. The number of adults seriously hurt also fell to its lowest since records began, with 346 hurt in the 12 month period.

"We have been close to achieving a zero result on the number of children killed for a few years and are anticipating that it will become more frequent," said Paul Richardson, road safety manager for Lothian and Borders Police. "20 years ago more children played in the streets and did not take part in set activities. Now children are more likely to take part in indoor activities, such as using computers and watching television."

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