ROAD SAFETY

Children's understanding of road safety behaviour develops slowly and they may not be able to recognise or respond appropriately to dangerous situations as adults learn to do until they are ten or even twelve.

• The danger for child pedestrians can begin in their own homes so adults need to take particular care backing out of driveways.
• Always cross at lights or at a marked pedestrian crossing and even then, model anticipatory behaviour by ensuring it is safe to cross before stepping off the kerb.
• From an early age children love toys that get them places. Parents need to be sure that children are not riding these toys in an area where a car might enter or leave a driveway, and children riding along a pavement must be accompanied by an adult.

To learn more about education your children about the importance of road safety, whether they are a pedestrian, a passenger in a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle, download the Road Safety information sheet