The British Road Safety Minister, Paul Clark, launched, on 19 November 2009, an innovative online game to help reduce the number of children killed and injured on Britain's roads.

Paul Clark said: "Our roads are among the safest in the world but the death of any child is one death too many".

This multi-player online game, 'The Code of Everand', uses a virtual world to help children develop skills - for instance, finding a safe place and planning ahead - which will help them to stay safe in the real world. These skills are particularly vital for children as they make the transition from primary to secondary school and start making longer journeys on their own.

Created in the context of the latest THINK! Campaigns of the Road Safety Ministry, the game is set in the fantasy land of Everand which is criss-crossed by spirit channels, inhabited by dangerous creatures. Players are 'Pathfinders', the heroes of the society, who travel about the land and are trained to cross the spirit channels safely.  The game uses real road data so players confront hazards based on the real situations that children face on the roads.

Paul Clark continues: "Today's young people have access to more media than any before and their attitudes to communications have become much more sophisticated. 'The Code of Everand' reflects this sophistication and by communicating with children through a medium they already enjoy using, we hope to improve their understanding of the importance of safe road behaviour".

Research has shown that computer games can help children develop essential skills such as logical thinking, planning ahead and cooperation. 

Note: Crown copyright material reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO.

Further information:

• Official press release of the website of the Central Office of Information (COI) - News Distribution Service for Government and the Public Sector
• "The Code Everand" website