Looking after children and young people

• Teaching your children road safety
• Forming a 'walking school bus'

Teaching your children road safety

Pedestrian injuries often involve children or youths (young people aged under 20).

Teach your children to be safe on roads and footpaths.

• Show them where it's safe to walk and how to cross the road safely.
• Show them the safest way to school, the shops, the playground etc.
• When walking with young children, make sure they hold an older person's hand.

(Children under 14 using foot-powered scooters and skateboards are classified as 'pedestrians' under the Traffic Regulations.)

Forming a 'walking school bus'

If your children are five years old or under, walk with them to school or pre-school if you can. Another option is to use a walking school bus.

A walking school bus is made up of a small group of children and at least two volunteer parent 'drivers'. The parents establish a safe walking route to school and a rotating roster of 'drivers'. Each day the rostered parents pick up the children from designated stops along the route and walk them to and from school. Reflective clothing and bright flags can help to identify the 'bus'.

Links to related material are in the Safety information for schools area.

Page updated: 21 October 2005