School-route accidents rise 40% in Upper Austria

School-route accidents increased by more than 20 percent nationwide last year and by 40 percent in Upper Austria, ORF reported. Experts say mobile phones and mopeds are among the main dangers, depending on the children’s age.

Children are increasingly holding their phones while walking to school, said traffic expert Petra Riener of the ÖAMTC. Looking at the screen instead of the road can distract them from traffic. Younger children are also easily distracted by flashing signs or cars that attract their attention.

Children up to the age of 15 are included in the schoolchild category. Many older pupils already have a moped licence and ride to school. Mopeds are by far the most common cause of school-route accidents. The number of school-related accidents has been rising again for several years, after falling to particularly low levels when schools were closed during the coronavirus pandemic and pupils studied at home.

Riener advises families to practise the route to school several times, during busy periods such as the morning or midday rather than on a quiet Sunday. Corinna H. is currently doing this with her eight-year-old son Julian, walking the route three or four times and identifying dangerous spots.

Equipment also plays a role. Upper Austria is giving every child starting primary school this year a high-visibility vest to make them easier to see in traffic. The vest improves safety only if children actually wear it.