Road safety involves measures to prevent death and serious injury on roads by protecting all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists, through strategies like traffic calming, safer road design, and education. Key safety practices include crossing at designated crossings, using the “stop, look, listen, think” method, walking on footpaths, wearing reflective clothing in the dark, and drivers obeying traffic laws and exercising caution for pedestrians and cyclists. Here are some tips on how to teach your children road safety:
- Set a good example – always cross roads safely, and never cross while using your phone.
- Teach the Green Cross Code – explain the Green Cross Code and practice it with your child. This code teaches children to stop at the kerb, look both ways, listen for traffic, and walk straight across the road.
- Supervise active travel – teach your child how to travel safely on foot or by bike. This can help them become more independent travellers.
- Use a child seat – until children are 150 cm tall, they should sit in a correctly sized and fitted child seat when traveling by car.
- Use a helmet – children should always wear a helmet when cycling.
- Hold your child’s hand – children under 8 should always hold a grown up’s hand when walking near roads.
- Be aware of hidden entrances – look out for and encourage your child to be aware of hidden entrances or driveways crossing the pavement.
- Walk on the correct side of the pavement – make sure your child walks on the side of the pavement away from the traffic.
- Educate on public transport – teach your child how to signal to the bus driver, and how to be polite and respectful on public transport.
- Every road means STOP, LOOK, LISTEN.
Useful websites
