Britain has some of the worst roads in the world, which have resulted in 1,899 children killed or seriously injured (KSI) in 2007 from the latest Department of Transport figures.

Following the National Audit Office's ‘Improving Road Safety For Pedestrians And Cyclists' report, Britain is ranked 8th worst out of the 24 developed nations when it comes to the number of child pedestrian casualties, despite the fact that the nation is ranked 14th for the number of adult casualties.

Child safety specialist Clippasafe is therefore warning families to be extra careful when cycling, driving or crossing the roads on foot, particularly with children:

"Clearly the nation's roads are not always at fault, so the question begs as to why adults are safer than children on Britain's roads, and whether enough is being done to educate and protect younger generations," says Clippasafe's MD Roger Cheetham.

"Everyone should be very aware of children and teenagers crossing the road throughout the summer holidays and when school term-time starts in September.

"Parents must educate as early as possible by setting a good example, explaining the Green Cross Code, wearing high visibility garments and using harnesses and wrist links, so that their children understand the dangers of roads from a very young age.

"Reinforce this message as they continue growing - even right through to their teenage years, as children between 11 and 16 are most at risk, especially when secondary school starts and they're allowed more independence."

Child KSI casualties have decreased at a steady rate since the 1990s, and the Government's target is to reduce the national average by 50 per cent by 2010.

Visit the following link for full details:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/accidents/casualtiesgbar/suppletablesfactsheets/childfact2007.pdf

Safest Roads:

1. Isle of Wight - 10 children killed or seriously injured (KSI)
2. Herefordshire - 11 Child KSI
3. Gloucestershire - 12 Child KSI
4. Northumberland - 15 Child KSI
5. Cornwall - 17 Child KSI
6. Cumbria - 18 Child KSI
7. Shropshire - 18 Child KSI
8. West Sussex - 20 Child KSI
9. Wiltshire - 21 Child KSI
10. Bedfordshire - 22 Child KSI

Worst Roads:

1. London - 331 Child KSI
2. West Midlands - 206 Child KSI
3. West Yorkshire - 175 Child KSI
4. Lancashire - 149 Child KSI
5. Greater Manchester - 140 Child KSI
6. Essex - 94 Child KSI
7. Merseyside - 90 Child KSI
8. Hampshire - 83 Child KSI
9. Humberside - 82 Child KSI
10. Tyne and Wear - 79 Child KSI