Latest figures show the number of parents driving their children to school has almost doubled over the past decade, leading many children into a more sedentary lifestyle.

The Pedestrian Council of Australia encouraged parents to walk their children to school today to highlight the health benefits and reinforce road rules.

Thousands of children are injured on the nation's roads each year.

Council president Harold Scruby says children under 10 are particularly vulnerable.

"They don't have the skills to judge the speed or distance of vehicles coming towards them," he said.