Don't do as I do

Bad driving behaviour could influence the way your children drive in future, says the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).

Peter Rodger, IAM Chief Examiner, said: “Children learn from the behaviour of their parents. If you never wear a seat belt, it is seen as acceptable by your child, even if you insist they wear one as they’re growing up.

“Doing 40 in a 30 zone, using abusive language towards other drivers and getting too close to the car in front are all bad habits children can pick up from parents or other family members at an early age, and can stay with them for life. If children grow up watching their Mum or Dad talk, text and email on their mobiles while driving, they’re going to think it's okay to do the same thing.

“For young adults a lack of driver training and a ‘blasé’ attitude to safety inherited from their parents could combine to make a particularly lethal combination. This particular group are the most vulnerable, with almost 20,000 casualties in cars being 16 to 19 year olds in 2008.

A nonchalant attitude is also transferable to pedestrian behaviour: “Young children are constantly seeking to emulate the behaviour of their parents. If you consistently cross under a red man, or cross without looking, there is a strong chance your child will do the same,” said Mr Rodger.