Children In Poor Nations Face High Death Risk By Road Accidents: UNESCO Report

The report by UNESCO has highlighted measures taken by several countries to reduce accidents for children travelling to schools and also stressed upon the importance of traffic education for them.

Children in poorer countries that have fewer vehicles are more likely to die in traffic accidents, even as children walking to schools are disproportionately affected, according to the new Global Education Monitoring (GEM) report.

The report by UNESCO has highlighted measures taken by several countries to reduce accidents for children travelling to schools and also stressed upon the importance of traffic education for them, taking into account their attention and cognitive style using virtual reality technology.

"Traffic accidents rank at or near the top of the most significant dangers. Children walking to school are disproportionately affected because many schools are located along major highways, and children have more limited impulse control, slower reaction time and poorer risk perception than adults. Traffic is especially dangerous in poorer countries and neighbourhoods.

"Rapid, unplanned growth contributes to poor road conditions and inadequate urban traffic design, putting pedestrians and other vulnerable road users at risk, especially when combined with lack of stringent vehicle safety standards. Despite having far fewer vehicles, poorer countries have a far higher risk of accidents and fatal accidents," it said.