A THREE-YEAR programme of road safety education is being launched in three schools to help reduce accidents.

An audit of statistics found that child casualties in the vicinity of Brougham, St Helen's and Golden Flatts primary schools, in Hartlepool, were all higher than average.

Hartlepool Borough Council's road safety unit is now working closely with education staff and other organisations to promote pupil safety.

The education project, launched today, is made up of several elements, including pedestrian and cycle training, in-car safety, bus behaviour and general road safety awareness.

Paul Watson, the council's road safety officer, said: "This project is about targeting resources where they are most needed.

"We already carry out work in schools right across the town, but comprehensive three-year programmes of education are a new approach.

"We hope it will help to raise pupils' awareness of good road safety practice and, ultimately, help to reduce accidents.

"It is also important that motorists play their part, by slowing down and driving carefully at all times, but particularly when driving in the vicinity of a school."

Following an assembly presentation by road safety staff, activities aimed at every age group will take place within the three schools.

Bus company Stagecoach is supporting the initiative and spokesman Trevor Best said: "It is vitally important that anyone using a bus understands the need not to distract the driver and for passengers not to indulge in behaviour that may cause offence or danger.

"It is equally important that once a person had stepped off the bus, that they start to think about the road safety dangers posed by a bus that is either stationary or moving away from a bus stop."

Safety education teacher at Brougham Primary, Margaret Dodgson, said: "A little girl from my class has been knocked over and there was another accident just last week, but that wasn't one of our pupils.

"We are wholly supportive of this campaign with the aim of keeping our children safe.

"We will be having assemblies and activities to make learning about road safety fun and interesting."

The official launch of the programme will take place at Brougham Primary today, with a Stagecoach bus and day of activities.