DRIVERS who allow their speed to go over 30 mph on minor roads are unaware of the potentially fatal consequences, warned the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) during last month's Road Safety Week.

Children are among the most vulnerable road users and are most at risk from drivers travelling too quickly on minor roads.

"That extra five or six miles an hour doesn't feel that much when you are behind the wheel and frankly it will make little difference to your overall journey time. But if you hit a child at that speed it could literally be the difference between life and death," said IAM chief executive, Christopher Bullock.

"Statistics show that if you are driving within the 30 mph speed limit you are much less likely to kill a child. That's not the case if you are going too fast. Inappropriate speed is a potential killer. Drivers should realise that every road with young pedestrians is full of potential hazards."