Holiday road safety

We encourage parents to have a road safety conversation with their children regardless of the recreational activity they are participating in. Highlight the key risks within their neighbourhood, or any roadway differences when on holidays, setting boundaries and running through the different behaviours they should practice when playing in the shared environment.

• Chalk drawings - ensure your child is not working across driveways or shared paths where they risk not being seen by a driver or cyclist. Always have an adult or friend standing up-right when drawing so they can be easily identified by drivers.
• Basketball hoops - when erecting a basketball hoop for your child assess the area for any obvious road safety risks in terms of visibility by drivers and driveway entrances. Encourage your child to wear bright colours when playing in the afternoon/ twilight period.
• Independent play - with older children always discuss their activity plans when organising catch-up with friends and take the relative precautions to ensure they know what to do to stay safe. Encourage them to speak up when they see friends acting in an unsafe manner. Instil confidence to act accordingly to look out for their own safety when congregating with their friends.
• Upskilling - when your child is learning a new skill ensure they adjust their road safety awareness accordingly i.e. learning to ride a bike independently will mean knowing when to sound your bell, how to behave on shared paths and how to slow down when crossing driveways.
• Safety equipment - ensure your child has the correct safety equipment for their activity. Helmets for bikes are not recommended for scooters and skate boards as they do not offer the same protection for this activity. This may mean having two separate helmets for each child depending on their activity.
• Changes in traffic - make your child aware that whilst the roads were quieter during lockdown they will soon begin to get busy again and together adjust your safety mindsets accordingly.

• Treat all roads [even laneways and roadways within holiday parks] with caution
• Always adjust your helmet before every ride/skate to ensure it fits securely
• Bring your own helmet on holidays so that it fits properly
• Make sure to check your bike before going on for a cycle, checking the brakes, bell, reflectors, and tyres
• Avoid playing near driveways and carparks as drivers may not see you in their mirrors
• If playing a ball sport near roadways always pause play and stand in a safe spot when a vehicle is approaching
• Wear bright colours or reflective strips to improve your visibility to drivers
• Remove one earphone when listening to music on the move so you can hear any oncoming vehicles
• Always choose a safe place to cross the road regardless of how ‘quiet’ the traffic is
• When playing at skate parks or BMX tracks be mindful of your abilities and don’t overcommit to jumps or tricks before you are ready
• Always keep your parents informed of your whereabouts – make sure your mobile is charged and has credit should you need to contact them
• If you feel unsafe, say something or remove yourself from the situation

COVID restrictions along with seasonal population spikes in our communities mean there are always children outside and on our streets, carparks, and recreational areas. Reducing our speed and looking for children near roadways is an important practice in protecting our vulnerable road users.

• Remember that children as pedestrians and on bikes are a part of our transport network
• Understand that children may behave unpredictably and due to their small stature they can be difficult to see when driving
• Appreciate that behavioural, perception, and risk elements of children’s brains are not fully developed
• Increase your vigilance and adjust your driving accordingly on residential streets, and around facilities where children may be present such as parks, pools, and schools
• Be especially alert around zebra crossings and other crossing facilities – coast through crossing facilities with your foot covering the brake
• Take extra caution when reversing out from a driveway as it may be difficult to spot children in your rear-view mirrors
• When exiting an underground carpark ensure you approach the street with caution as the footpath is a shared space
• Take note of any increased recreational activity in your neighbourhood, i.e., newly erected basketball hoops or chalk games on the footpaths, and adjust your driving accordingly.