Road and Vehicle Safety
Roads and vehicles are an everyday part of life for all of us. Either as a driver,
a passenger, or as a pedestrian, we all must negotiate the road traffic environment on
a daily basis.
Children are especially vulnerable around vehicles and roads due to their size and
capabilities.
Be aware of the opportunities for children to become safer road-users. Walk down to
the local shop for milk or the newspaper with your children on Sunday morning. Park the
car and walk around to the sports ground, on the way explaining the observations and
choices you make to get there safely. Talk about the importance of wearing seat belts
and insist that everyone in the vehicle wears appropriate restraints. Point out rules
of the road when driving. Always demonstrate responsible and safe behaviours when
driving, or when a passenger and while walking anywhere around vehicles and roads.
Along with the benefits of road use, there are also challenges that we need to be
aware of. Some safety issues dealing with road and vehicles include the following:
Children need assistance dealing with the traffic environment until at least
the age of 10 as they are not equipped physically or
developmentally to make the crucial decisions to keep them safe. It
is important children are supervised and accompanied by a parent or
adult carer. Like learning to drive a car, children need to practise
and experience to walk in the traffic environment.
Alongside the benefits of learning road safety, it is great chance to spend time with
your family and good exercise!!
It is important to properly equip your car with appropriate child restraints for your child to keep them safe. Every time you make a trip in a vehicle, ensure your child is properly restrained and protected.
Small children are at risk from moving vehicles in low speed 'off road' locations such as driveways, yards and car parks. While driveway fencing and improvements to vehicle design may be helpful, supervision of children is critical whenever a vehhicle is to be moved - hold their hands or hold them close to keep them safe.
Whenever buying bicycles, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades for you child, always buy the correct safety gear to go with it - buy the whole present, not just part of it.
Remember never to leave your child alone in a vehicle - the temperature within cars
can quickly build up and children are at risk of dehydration, which can cause serious
injury.
