Test your children’s road safety knowledge before school
"Test your children’s road safety knowledge before
school starts back"
As kids head on back to
school next week we want parents to take the time to check
they’re up to speed with road safety.
“The summer holidays are long and that means some children might have forgotten some of the basic rules they need to follow to keep themselves safe,” says Inspector Peter McKennie, Manager of Operations for Road Policing.
“Add to that their excitement about returning to school and seeing their friends and this can mean they will be less alert to the traffic dangers around them.”
Police are asking parents
to sit down with their kids before the end of the holidays
and have a conversation around road safety rules.
This is
particularly important if your child is going to be
travelling to school on their own.
“Help them to choose the safest route to get there and do a few practise walks or bikes with them so they are familiar with the route and the safest places to cross,” says Inspector McKennie.
“It is important to remind them that any time they are crossing the road they must stop, look, and listen for any cars, bikes, or cyclists before they step out.”
Police are also urging parents to remember that your kids will follow your actions.
“If you break the rules – kids will
think it is ok to as well and that can put lives in
danger.
For that reason we need parents to stick to the
road rules.
“Try parking a bit further away from school and walking if there aren’t any free parks close by, make sure you don’t park on yellow lines.
“For motorists in
general, remember to keep your speed down and be extra alert
in case a child runs or bikes in front of you without
warning.
Even small increases in speed result in a much
greater increase in your stopping distance, and that can
mean the difference between life and death for pedestrians,
so it's vital you slow down around schools.
“Children
make mistakes, but they don't deserve to pay for them with
their life.
How you drive makes the difference,” says
Inspector McKennie.
Other safety tips for walking or biking to school include:
• Young children should be accompanied by an adult, older child, or a buddy.
• Discuss the use of crosswalks, and why it's safer to cross at some corners rather than others.
• Discuss the meaning of traffic signals and markings along the route.
• Teach them to cooperate with police, school safety patrols, and adult crossing guards.
• Contact the school and see if
there is a walking school bus available.
If not, look at
setting up one
yourself.
ENDS