08 Oct 2018
Now that students are back to school after a break it’s a good time to chat with your child about safe behaviours when they walk or commute to school.
Here are our top tips to help our students make a safe trip:
1. Be alert and aware
Take note of the dangers you come across on your walk and bring them to your child’s attention. Point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways. Talk to your child about being alert in a road environment.
2. Hold hands
When on the footpath, at a crossing or in a car park always hold your child's hand. It is advised to do this up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.
3. Choose a safe crossing
Lead by example and choose a safe place to cross the road. Explain why it is the safest place to cross.
4. Set a good example
Your child watches everything you do, so if you cross at the crossing they will too. It is also important to share these messages with other carers who may walk with your child to school.
5. Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross the road
Discuss this important road safety message. STOP! one step back from the kerb. LOOK! continuously both ways. LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! whether it is safe to cross.
Practise makes perfect
The more supervised practice your child can get the better, so why not make Term 4 the start of a new routine to walk to school more often.
Older children may be ready to make the journey to school independently. Before they take this step, observe if they are road safe and reinforce the road safety messages.
For more information, check out the department’s pedestrian safety advice for students, parents and carers.