Green Cross Code

Green Cross Code is a safety guideline that was developed in the United Kingdom to teach children about safe road crossing. The code was introduced by the National Road Safety Committee in 1970 as a replacement for the earlier Kerb Drill pedestrian safety program. The Green Cross Code has been updated several times over the years to reflect changes in road and traffic conditions.

History

The Green Cross Code was introduced in 1970 by the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC), a body that was established by the UK government to promote road safety. The NRSC developed the code in response to a rise in road accidents involving children. The code replaced the earlier Kerb Drill, which had been used to teach children about road safety since the 1940s.

The Green Cross Code has been updated several times since its introduction. The most significant changes were made in 1990, when the code was revised to take into account the increasing number of vehicles on the road and the changing nature of traffic conditions.

Components of the Green Cross Code

The Green Cross Code consists of six main steps that children are taught to follow when crossing the road:

1. Find a safe place to cross
2. Stop at the kerb
3. Look all around for traffic
4. Listen for traffic
5. If traffic is coming, let it pass
6. When it is safe, walk straight across the road

The code also includes advice on what to do if there is no pavement, and how to deal with parked cars and other obstacles.

Impact

The Green Cross Code has been credited with significantly reducing the number of road accidents involving children in the UK. According to the Department for Transport, the number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents has fallen by more than 80% since the code was introduced.

In popular culture

The Green Cross Code has been promoted through a series of public information films, featuring the character of the Green Cross Man. The character was played by David Prowse, who is best known for his role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars films.

See also

• Road safety in the United Kingdom
• Pedestrian safety through vehicle design
• School zone