Parents demand more security: school routes are more dangerous than ever!

Parents demand more security: school routes are more dangerous than ever!

Parents in Austria demand more security on their children's way to school. The increasing traffic density, complex intersections and distractions through smartphones are a serious challenge, as a survey of the ÖAMTC and KFV. According to the survey, 31% of the parents find the way to school difficult, whereby they in particular cite the high traffic volume, confusing intersections and the lack of zebra crossing as the main causes.

Another concern is in the use of mobile phones: Although 45% of elementary school children have a cell phone on their way to school, only 13% of the parents believe that this often leads to distraction. The connection between mobile phone usage and traffic safety is underestimated by many parents, as can be seen from the results of the survey. Another point is that 93% of children between the ages of 6 and 10 know basic traffic rules, but there are still considerable security concerns.

Accident statistics and prevention measures

In 2024 there were 451 accidents in Austria on school paths, and fortunately no children were killed. Nevertheless, this number is below the long -term average of 488 injured children. Among the injured children are the most common road users of pedestrians. Thus, 37 children who were on foot crashed, while another 12 were crashed by bus and 10 with play and sports equipment.

The survey also shows that 38% of the parents want more secure transitions and 30% to use school pilots. Klaus Robatsch from the KFV, who emphasizes the need to practice school paths and the accompaniment by parents. The crosswalks, he notes, are not a "security guarantee" and it is important to check out the deformation of views near school.

Parents taxi and traffic safety

An additional survey illustrates the role of parental taxis in school traffic. Every fourth primary school child is usually brought to school with the parent taxi, with the main reasons such as connection dates, bad weather and time savings. The increased danger of the way to school is also critically considered, since 62% of parents perceive too much traffic in front of schools and see 56% dangerous traffic situations through the additional traffic load.

On average, the traffic situation rates 56% of the parents surveyed as safe. Nevertheless, there is a significant fear of traffic hubs and the carelessness of other road users. 62% of the children use a smartphone during the way to school, which can also potentially lead to distraction.

In total, 79% of the parents are willing to actively participate in improving security on school routes. Your suggestions and the results of the surveys collected are considered valuable for the evaluation and implementation of security measures. These efforts aim to ensure a safe and pleasant way to school for children.