Dangers of school run jams.

HUNDREDS of deaths and serious accidents on the roads could be prevented if school times were staggered, claim insurers.

School runs have increased by 20 per cent in the past decade, while numbers of pupils walking there fell by 14 per cent.

Fewer car journeys could prevent 190 deaths and serious injuries a year, according to research by insurance company More Than.

At least 300 deaths and serious injuries a year could be prevented if the school run was spread between7am and10am instead of the existing 8am to 9am, they said.

Their researchers said that in the 8am to 9am peak period, 12 per cent of drivers travelling were taking children to school - that's two out of every five primary age andone in five secondary pupils.

David Pitt, head of motor insurance at More Than, praised the School Transport Bill which offers hope of staggering school start times and looks at cutting school-run traffic.

He said: 'The school run has taken over the rush hour, creating congestion and increasing the chances of having an accident.

'It's easy to understand why more children are being driven to school - today's parents are busier than ever and concerned about the safety of their children, yet the resulting increase in traffic may actually be making the situation more dangerous.

'We will pass our conclusions to the Department for Transport.

'The key is to encourage travelling to schools by bus or on foot rather than relying on the car.'

December has the most road, assidents, according to research for Post Office car insurance.

Post Office head of marketing Mike Smith said: 'The days are shorter and darker, plus dangerous weather conditions.'

Meanwhile, the RAC Foundation are predicting a 'full-blown parking crisis' within five years unless the Government does more to help motorists who drive to work.