October 05, 2017
4 Tips to Keeping your kids safe on the way to and from school
4 Tips to Keeping your kids safe on way to and from school.
Children are our most vulnerable road-users and we have a duty to pay special attention to their safety.
Now that they are back at school and settled into the rhythm of being dropped off and picked up, it might be helpful just to remind ourselves of a few things we need to do, and do well, every single day. It is so easy to overlook just how dangerous a time it can be for them and for you.
Here are 4 things to cut the risk – for younger children in particular.
1: Belt up: In the rush to get them to school – or home – on time, take a few seconds to check they are properly seated and have their seat belts on.
2: Distracted: It is only natural they can be feisty and boisterous. Don’t get distracted as a driver. Preferably tell them in advance you need peace and quiet to ferry them safely. Or let them talk about their plans, or what they’re looking forward to on TV that evening – anything to keep things low key and let you drive on full concentration.
3: Reversing/Parking: This is the highest-risk time of an accident or tragedy. Reversing is hazardous at the best of times but doing so with children running here and there compounds the risk. As a rule of thumb it is best to have someone guide you. Even though your car may have parking aids and cameras, nothing replaces having someone watch your back. Never take a chance.
4: Dropping/picking up: Children can get excitable when they see their friends, in the morning, or their parents, in the evening and rush towards the car. It is vital you instil in them a sense of not moving towards you until you, and only you, tell them it is safe. Arriving and departing from the school-gate is potentially one of the riskiest areas you will encounter as a driver. It is worth spending time getting home the message: Wait until I tell you it’s safe.
Thank you for reading this article. We hope you enjoyed it.
