17/05/2012

RACQ is urging parents and other motorists to be extra vigilant around school zones tomorrow with Queensland primary school children taking part in National Walk Safely to School Day.

The national event promotes road safety, health, public transport and the environment by encouraging primary school children to commute safely to school.
 
RACQ Community and Education officer Karina Halliday said drivers should stay alert and expect the unexpected.

“We’re anticipating a big increase in the number of students walking, cycling and riding scooters around school zones tomorrow, particularly at peak times between 7am to 9am and 3pm to 5pm,” Ms Halliday said.

“It is important drivers should reduce their speed when approaching schools and keep a lookout for children, particularly the younger ones, as they can be very unpredictable.

“Motorists should take extra care near buses and watch for children who may attempt to cross the road in front of or behind a bus,” she said.

RACQ’s Community and Education team travels to primary schools throughout Queensland to teach children about road safety through the RACQ Streets Ahead program.

“The important principles of road safety should be learnt by children at an early age,” Ms Halliday said. “And that’s what Streets Ahead is all about.

“By learning about road safety in the primary school years, students can develop appropriate attitudes, skills and awareness that will help make them safer road users and drivers later in life.”

Since it was introduced in 2007, the Streets Ahead program has reached over 88,000 students in 185 schools across the State.

Ms Halliday said parents and carers could also encourage safety around roads by:

• demonstrating safe road crossing methods – use pedestrian crossings when available, waiting for the signal to cross at traffic lights, and holding hands with young children
• wearing a seatbelt
• wearing a helmet and bright coloured clothing when cycling
• displaying safe and courteous behaviour when sharing the road with other road users.

The most important way you can help your child is to practise safety at all times when using the road,” Ms Halliday said.

To have the Community and Education team visit your school, call 07 3872 8925 or email roadsafetyeducation@racq.com.au.