As the new school year kicks off, ensuring your child’s safety is more important than ever. Here are six essential tips every parent should know to make the daily journey to school as safe and stress-free as possible writes Geraldine Herbert
- Start the Night Before: Mornings are hectic enough without scrambling to find that missing shoe! Save yourself the stress by prepping everything the night before—school bags, lunches, and uniforms. This way, you can head out the door calmly, with extra time to spare, ensuring a smoother, safer journey to school.
- Smart Drop-Offs Only: When you arrive at school, resist the urge to double park. It’s not just a minor inconvenience; it’s a serious safety risk. Double parking blocks the view for other drivers and kids trying to cross the street. A little patience in finding a proper parking spot can make all the difference in keeping everyone safe.
- Be Cycle-Savvy: With more kids cycling to school, drivers need to be more alert than ever. Keep an eye out for young cyclists, especially near driveways and parked cars where they can suddenly appear. Always check your mirrors before opening your car door and use the “Dutch reach” (opening the door with the hand furthest from it). This small habit could prevent a big collision.
- Drive with Caution around Schools: Kids are excited to see their friends and might dash out between cars or off the footpath unexpectedly. Slow down and stay alert, particularly near primary schools. Remember, children often struggle to judge how fast a car is coming, so it’s up to you to drive with extra care.
- Plan Safe Routes Together: Whether your child is walking or cycling to school, planning the safest route is key. Opt for quieter streets with fewer cars and more pedestrian crossings. Walk or cycle the route with your child a few times before school starts, so they know exactly what to expect and feel confident on their own.
- Check Those Car Seats: If you’re driving younger kids, make sure their car seat is the right size and correctly installed. Shockingly, up to four in five car seats are improperly fitted, which can lead to serious injury so taking the time to double-check this could be a lifesaver.
Geraldine Herbert
27th August 2024
