RoSPA Press Office : Press Release
February 25, 2001
SKI TRIP TRAVEL WARNING AFTER SCHOOL COACH CRASHES
[BBC NEWS]
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has issued a warning about travelling in poor weather conditions after three coaches carrying British schoolchildren crashed in separate incidents as they returned from skiing trips.
Two accidents happened in Austria and one in France as the children were returning home from half-term breaks. There had been heavy snow across Europe and some roads were said to be like ice rinks.
Kevin Clinton, RoSPA Head of Road Safety, said: "Coach travel is still one of the safest forms of transport.
"Half-term week is a peak holiday period - and this particular half-term is extremely popular with British schools for skiing trips. There are therefore going to be many more children on the move at the same time than normal - and because they are going to ski resorts there is always the likelihood they will have to travel in adverse weather conditions.
"Parents have to realise this when they allow their children to go on such trips, and schools have to make risk assessments of all the activities they are undertaking.
"It is important they use coach operators who are experienced in driving in these types of areas and who can judge when it may be necessary not to travel.
"There may be times when it will be safer to delay a journey and miss a ferry or flight than take to the road.
"It is also essential that coaches are fitted with seatbelts and that children wear them at all times.
"And it is vital that teachers supervise children so that they do not distract the driver."
