PARENTS in North Yorkshire have been challenged to check the safety of their children on everyday journeys to and from school.

Many may be worried their youngsters would be at risk if they were allowed to make their own way to and from the gates, particularly from traffic on the roads.

But road safety teams point out that they may be equally vulnerable to serious injury if they are not strapped in cars properly.

For example, in a sudden impact, a four-stone child can be thrown forward so hard that, when he hits the seat in front of him - or, even worse, the windscreen - it can be with the same force as if he weighed 120 stones.

North Yorkshire County Council's road safety team has been in Ripon to underline the message, and advise parents on the best restraints. Advice leaflets have also been distributed.

Spokesman David Lindsay said: "It is very alarming that so many parents allow their child the freedom of the back seat."

For advice, contact the North Yorkshire Road Safety Department on (01609) 532614.