WOW

Teaching children how to be safe on roads, footpaths and cycleways is a skill for life. Children should be shown where it's safe to walk and cycle, and how to cross the road safely. The Land Transport NZ website has more information about being road smart for school.

Children watch what adults do. Make sure you're setting a good example for them.

Here are some more road safety tips for walking to school.

Use supervised or controlled crossing points such as pedestrian crossings, school patrols and traffic lights, wherever possible.
At pedestrian crossings, wait until all traffic has stopped before crossing the road. It's a good idea to make eye contact with the car drivers before you step off the pavement.
If there is no formal crossing point, make sure you cross away from buses, parked cars and corners so that motorists can easily see you.
Keep one step back from the kerb before you cross.
Stop, look and listen for traffic in all directions. If there is traffic coming, wait until it has passed. Check for traffic again. When there is no traffic coming walk quickly straight across the road, looking each way for traffic.
Check that driveways are clear. If there are cars in the driveway, make sure drivers are aware of your presence before you walk across it. Beware of driveways with high fences, walls and hedges. They may stop drivers from seeing you on the footpath. The Land Transport NZ website has more walking to school information.

Cycle Safety

Published May 2009