ROAD SAFETY
ROADS ARE DANGEROUS PLACES

Roads are built for cars, when you ride your bike to school or walk or skateboard
down to your local reserve you must always play it safe.

Many kids, just like you and your friends are killed or badly injured playing near or trying to cross roads.
Often kids simply forget to look both ways for cars before they cross a road.

Some safety tips you should remember . . .
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

Always look for the safest place you can find to cross a road . . . traffic lights or pedestrian crossings are the safest places to cross.
Whenever possible always try to cross in a group or with some friends. A group is more visible than a single person crossing a road on their own.
Always STOP,LOOK and LISTEN for any approaching cars. WAIT until there is no sign of cars or traffic before you cross a road.
Always cross a road in the most direct route, remember roads are not places where you play.
Never run out onto a road without first looking both ways for traffic . . . even if you are chasing a ball.
Never try to cross a road from between parked cars . . . drivers can't see you and you can't see the driver.
Always walk on the footpath . . . when there is no footpath available always walk as close to the kerb as possible, facing the oncoming traffic.
Always be on the lookout for cyclists who maybe riding their bikes on the footpath.
At night, always try to wear or carry something light in colour

SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES

Stay off the road when you are riding your rollerblades, skateboards or rollerskates.
Keep to the footpath or bikepath when skating down to your local reserve or park . . . only use the road if you need to cross.
Never try and cross a road on your skates, skateboards or rollerblades.
Before crossing a road, always Stop,Look and Listen and wait until the road is clear.
To avoid injury always wear protective clothing including an approved safety helmet . . . some of the best rollerbladers or skateboarders have crashes.
Never hitch a tow from a vehicle in order to tow you on your skateboard, rollerskates or rollerblades. This is foolhardy and highly dangerous.

CYCLING SAFETY

Safety helmets save lives.
 Riding your bike is fun and a great way to get to school or your friends house but it can also be very dangerous if you're not careful.

Every year in Australia, young cyclists are killed or badly injured while riding their bike. In many cases, they weren't wearing a safety helmet or following the road rules.

Wearing an approved safety helmet or "stack hat" will greatly reduce your chances of being killed or badly injured in a crash. Remember, if the Police see you and have previously warned you about not wearing a helmet, you could receive a fine of $30.
        
Always be aware when riding on the road - remember, the car driver can't always see you - if they don't see you they won't stop for you.
Always use the a bike lane if available, if there is no bike lane always ride your bike on the left hand side of the road, as close to the kerb as possible.
Always show courtesy to drivers and never do anything silly that could endanger yourself or other people.
Always obey all traffic signs and traffic lights - just like car drivers . . . leave at least one metre between you and the traffic.
Always use hand signal to indicate to drivers your intentions - such as turning or stopping.
Always cross on a pedestrian crossing by foot - never ride your bike across a pedestrian crossing.
Always be in control of your bike by keeping both hands on the handle bars at all times.
Always be visible on the road . . . drivers see you more easily if your bike has a flag, and reflectors on both the back of your seat and front and rear wheels.
Always ride a bike that is the correct size for you.
Always check your tyres, brakes and chain on a regular basis.
Always fit your bike with a horn or a bell - so you can be heard when needed.
Always have your bike fitted with front and rear lights when riding at night - riding at night without lights is highly dangerous and could easily cause an accident.
Avoid doubling anyone - your friends should walk beside your bike.


SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
If you catch the bus to school, always act sensibly when you are near or on the bus.



 Always stand on the footpath, away from the road while you are waiting for the bus to arrive.
Always wait until the bus has fully stopped before walking towards the bus.
Always sit quietly on the bus as noise can be distracting to the driver.
Always wait until the bus has left before crossing the road . . . unless at a pedestrian crossing.
Always walk away from the bus so you have a clear view of the road and the car driver can see you.

SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY

Many children suffer serious injuries and fatalities may occur getting in and out of the family car at school. When you're being picked up after school always wait away from the road or within the school gates .
Never rush across the road when you see your lift arriving - wait for your parent to meet you at the school gate.
A note for parents . . .
 Always try and meet your child at the school gate.
Always meet your child on the same side of the road as the school or bus stop.
Never call your child across the road away from a pedestrian crossing or wait on the opposite side of the road to the child..
Be a role model for your children - don't expect your children to do what you say if you are setting a bad example yourself.
Never double park your car or ask your children to get out of the car when it's unsafe to do so.



For further information please contact Kidsafe direct on Phone: 02 9845 0894  Facsimile: 02 9845 0895
or visit their website at: www.kidsafensw.org

  
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