AS more than nine million school children head back to school, parents can teach their kids good driving habits on the way to the drop-off.

Around half of school age children in the UK are driven to school by car, according to the National Traffic Survey 2024, and parents' behaviour behind the wheel has a significant influence on kids, says leading breakdown provider Start Rescue.

"Children spend an average of four hours per week in a car with parents or carers," said Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue. "This is valuable time to teach kids good driving habits such as remaining calm, always wearing a seatbelt, sticking to speed limits, and not using a mobile phone while driving."

The most common bad driving habits during school drop-off include exceeding the speed limit, eating and drinking at the wheel, mobile phone use, and tailgating - driving too close to the car in front.

Puffett added: "We all want our children to be safe on the roads, whether as passengers or when they begin to drive themselves. That good driving journey starts with parents and carers to set the right example. With an increased volume of traffic on the road as students return, remember every day is a school day in the car."

Start Rescue, part of the Call Assist family, which supports motorists with breakdown cover across the UK and Europe has also achievedWhich? Recommended Provider status for seven years in succession, an achievement that's unmatched by any other vehicle recovery operator.

Start Rescue and Call Assist are also Which? Trusted Traders. Which? is a fully independent consumer champion and, with 1.35 million members and supporters, they operate via a simple ethos: to tackle consumer harm and make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Only the best performers of their rigorous process of checks can reap the benefits of their Which? Trusted Trader endorsement.