Being roadsmart for school - best choices for our children

Print version: Being roadsmart for school (PDF, 1.49 MB, 8 pages)

Children watch what we do...

make sure you're setting a good example for your child

Consider some of the options in this brochure to cut down on car trips.

Fewer cars on the road mean less traffic and cleaner air.

Remember...

to teach your child to:

• use pedestrian crossings or cross at traffic lights
• Look and listen for traffic entering or leaving driveways
• walk on the footpath, close to the houses and away from the road
• hold hands if walking with a young child

Important!

Show your children how to cross the road safely

• find a safe place to cross
• stop one step back from the kerb
• look and listen for traffic coming from all directions
• if there is traffic coming, wait until it has passed and then look and listen for traffic again
• when there is no traffic coming, walk quickly, straight across the road, looking each way for traffic

Travelling to and from school

Walk...

• with trusted adults
• with friends
• with a group from your neighbourhood

Why walk?

• your child needs to learn road safety skills
• make friends in the area
• walking is good for your child's health

Bus...

• take a school bus
• use public transport

Why bus?

• to promote your child's independence
• to foster social interactions and friendships
• it's the safest form of school transport

Bus safety for your child

• stand well back from the road when waiting for the bus
• wait for the bus to stop before you get on or off the bus
• stay seated and put your bag under the seat or on your knees
• carry your bag in front of you so it doesn't get caught in the door
• get off the bus through the front door
• when picking up or dropping off children at the bus stop, wait on the same side of the road as the bus stop
• wait until the bus has moved away and you can see up and down the road clearly before crossing the road
• stand well clear of the bus if it is turning or reversing

Bike...

• under 10s should always bike with an adult
• your child must wear an approved cycle helmet
• make sure bikes have working brakes
• make sure bikes have reflectors and lights if cycling at night

Why bike?

• cycling is good for your health

Car safety for your child

• children should sit in the back seat
• use a booster seat for children under 26 kgs
• make sure everyone is wearing their safety belts
• ensure children get in and out on the footpath side of the car
• park safely, away from yellow lines, intersections and driveways
• walk to the school gate with your children
• after school, walk to the school gate to meet your children and walk them to the car
• drive to the conditions
• take extra care on wet days

For more information...

For general enquiries, or more information about Land Transport New Zealand, please email info@nzta.govt.nz or visit www.landtransport.govt.nz

Page created: 19 January 2007