MILLIONS of parents could be putting their family’s lives at risk on the roads, a new study reveals today.
MILLIONS of parents could be putting their family's lives at risk on the roads, a new study reveals today.
More than nine million drivers* admit to being distracted by their children while driving and over four million (one in five drivers) have either had an accident or a near miss because of their children's behaviour in the car.
In fact, half of parents regularly turn around to tend to their children in the back seat when they need to keep their eyes on the road, according to Norwich Union's 'Kids and Cars' study.
And a third of parents say that their child has unstrapped themselves from their child seat or seat belt during a journey.
The insurer's research also shows that parents will use a number of varied activities to keep their children entertained on long journeys - with mums more creative than dads when it comes keeping the kids happy in the car.
Mums are twice as likely to sing songs to entertain their children, while dads are four times more likely to give their kids sweets to keep them quiet.
Robert Ledger, head of motor development at Norwich Union Insurance, said: "With the holiday season upon us and many families planning their summer break, our research shows that children can pose a real risk on long road journeys.
"Children inevitably get bored and restless on journeys and it can be difficult to keep them happy and entertained, especially if the only adult is the driver. But safety has to be a priority for all drivers, particularly when there are kids in the car.
"So it is important to find as many ways as possible to keep them entertained and to plan regular stops so children don't get too restless. Travelling at night is one possible solution, as the children are more likely to sleep throughout most of the journey. But we've developed some other tips to help parents planning a road trip this summer."
Norwich Union's five top tips for travelling with children:
- Make sure that anyone else who takes the children out in the car - such as grandparents or friends - know how to correctly fit the car seats and strap the kids in properly
- Take a break if your child is yelling or the kids are fighting so you won't be distracted while driving
- Don't show your children how to unbuckle themselves from their seat belts in case they do so in the middle of a journey
- Don't set off until you're confident that everyone is securely fastened
- Child-lock the car doors and make sure that electric windows are controlled by the driver
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
Norwich Union commissioned Taylor Nelson Sofres to conduct an independent survey of more than 300 adults. The survey was carried out in May 2001.
* Source: Department of Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) Transport Statistics Great Britain 2000 Edition, and Norwich Union independent research (as below).
- Norwich Union Insurance is the UK's largest general insurer - insuring one in four vehicles on the road.
- CGU plc and Norwich Union plc merged on 30 May 2000 to create CGNU plc, the UK's largest insurance group and one of the top-five insurers in Europe with substantial positions in other markets around the world, making it the world's sixth largest insurer based on gross worldwide premiums.
- CGNU's principal business activities are long-term savings, fund management and general insurance, with worldwide premium income and retail investment sales from ongoing business of over Ł27 billion and assets under management of more than Ł210 billion.
- From October 2000, the combined life and pensions, general insurance and retail fund management businesses in the UK operate under the Norwich Union brand, while the institutional investment business operates under the Morley Fund Management brand.
- Norwich Union's news releases are available on this website
- Norwich Union Insurance Limited Registered in England Number 99122 Registered Office 8 Surrey Street Norwich NR1 3NG
- Member of the General Insurance Standards Council
For further information or to arrange an interview contact Matthew Buchanan/Anja Kueppers at QBO on 020 7379 0304 or Liz Nicholson/Jenny Chapman at Norwich Union on 08703 666868