Safe for school kids

With all the buzz, excitement and rush each weekday morning and afternoon, the last thing on a school kid’s mind is road safety. You could easily fall into the same trap. Getting into the habit of crossing roads safely, staying calm, keeping your cool as you drop kids off and pick them up, and respecting school zone speed limits all add up to a happier, safer school life.

Tips for parents and carers

1. Always park your vehicle legally when dropping off or picking up children.
2. Never let children out of the car while you are stopped in a line of traffic, at traffic lights, or at a supervised crossing.
3. Always try to park on the school side of the road, or walk with your child across the road if you need to park opposite the school.  Children can easily forget ‘safe crossing rules’ when they spot their friends and may step straight into the path of an on-coming vehicle.
4. Keep NO STOPPING areas and pedestrian crossings clear.
5. Stop in the legal drop off zone to keep the busiest school area clearly visible to other motorists and pedestrians.
6. Slow down. Don’t be in a hurry. Give yourself a chance to avoid the unexpected
7. Always respect the school zone speed limit.

Tips for motorists driving through school zones

1. Pay attention to the road and be mindful of little lives.
2. Pay particular attention to children crossing roads, riding bikes, and getting off buses, getting out of cars and rushing to meet their parents or carers.
3. Stick to the school zone speed limit, 40 km/h in most areas, or stay well under it to help you prepare for the unexpected.

A thought for motorists. A thought for children

Slowing down makes little difference to your travel time. If it means safer school children it’s more than worth the few seconds it will add to your trip. Think about it.

Teach young children to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK!

STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath.

LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.  

LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.

THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – Is the way clear? Has all the traffic stopped?

Walk straight across the road.

Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

 ‘Good example’ tips for parents and carers

1. Take the time to talk about what your child can see when walking or driving with you.
2. Point out traffic signs and signals and explain what they mean.
3. Talk about safe places to cross the road, such as pedestrian crossings.
4. Always wear your seatbelt.
5. Keep your cool and stay calm when walking, driving, dropping off and picking up children.
6. Don’t behave aggressively.
7. Don’t abuse or yell at other drivers or pedestrians.
8. Don’t tailgate or overtake dangerously.

Join the drive for safer school kids. Here and now. Here for Life.

For more information visit the Back-to-School road safety campaign:
www.transport.qld.gov.au/backtoschool