Back-to-school road safety tips
SEPTEMBER is back-to-school month which means that roads will be much more populated by young children travelling to and from school. With all the excitement and eagerness to be back in class, people should remember that roads can be dangerous places. Parents and children are being reminded to take special care when travelling on the road. Here are a few road safety tips which can help you protect yourself while travelling.
Stop! Look! Listen!
This is the number one rule when crossing the road. Always remember to stop, look both ways and listen for oncoming traffic. Never attempt to cross a road without first looking in both directions. It is important not only to look for moving vehicles but also pay attention to parked vehicles or oncoming bikes and motorcycles. Parents should teach their children this ‘golden’ rule. As much as is possible, parents should practise the crossing of roads with their child/children.
Accompany children to school
Parents should accompany children to school until they become familiar with the routes they are travelling, especially if it is the first time their child/children are going to school. Children should not be left alone at bus stops, and always make sure they know who to contact in case of emergency.
Don’t play by the roadside
Playing by busy roads can be a dangerous practice. It’s easy to get carried away when you are engaged in playing by busy roads. This can lead to accidents with children running carelessly into traffic. Parents must make their children aware of the dangers of playing on busy roads.
Use pedestrian crossings
Parents must familiarise their children with pedestrian crossings. Always use pedestrian crossings when possible. If none are nearby, try to avoid intersections and blind spots.
Avoid walking alone
Parents must teach their children that when going to and from school to try to avoid walking alone and lonely roads. Children are especially vulnerable to kidnapping. Children are advised to travel in groups whenever possible.
Avoid strangers
Children should never talk to strangers, especially those in a vehicle.
Walk facing oncoming traffic
Children should always walk facing oncoming traffic. When walking down on one-way roads they should be extremely vigilant about traffic coming from behind.
Behave responsibly
Parents must teach their children to behave on the road as they would in the playground. The road is not a play area, and serious injury or death can result from carelessness and irresponsibility.
Walk only on pavements
Children should only walk on pavements or footpaths. If no pavements or footpaths are available, walk on the right hand side of the road in order to see oncoming traffic.
Avoid bad weather
Roads can easily become flooded and impassable in a matter of minutes. Try to avoid going out in bad weather as it is much harder for a vehicle to stop on wet surfaces. Also roads and pathways can quickly become flooded.
NOTE TO PARENTS: Children learn what they live, so it is your responsibility to set a good example for then to follow. If they see you behaving carelessly on the road they are likely to do the same. They should be encouraged to obey safety rules at all times.
– JIS
