Road Safety
Until the age of 10-11 years, children need active adult supervision to help them navigate driveways, cars, roads and car parks safely. Even children who seem to know all the road safety rules won’t necessarily remember to follow them.
Driveway safety guidelines:
Driveway safety guidelines:
- Before moving a vehicle in a driveway, check that no child is behind or in front of the vehicle. Don’t rely only on car cameras and sensors. Always do a visual check around the vehicle.
- Never leave young children alone to play near parked or moving vehicles in driveways.
- Separate your child’s play areas from driveways. For example, you could fence off the driveway or garage so your child can’t run towards it.
- Get into the habit of waving goodbye to people from inside your home.
- Always hold your child’s hand near cars, even if you’re just near your driveway or walking to the letterbox. Explain why it’s important for your child to hold your hand.
Children need assistance dealing with the traffic environment until at least the age of 10 as they are not equipped physically or developmentally to make the crucial decisions to keep them safe. Like learning to drive a car, children need practise and experience to walk in the traffic environment. Children learn about road safety largely by experience. Parents and adult carers have opportunities in day-to-day routines to discuss road safety with children on the way to the newsagent, local shop or going to school. Whenever crossing roads, it is an idea to talk about when and why it is safe to cross the road with your children so they can gain a good understanding of road safety issues.A young child's skull is soft and easily injured from a collision or fall. When you are selecting a bicycle or wheeled toy such as skateboards, rollerblades etc for your child make sure it is appropriate for their age and capability. Whenever children are riding wheeled toys or bicycles, it is important that they are wearing a correctly fitted helmet and one that meets the Australian Standard.
Young children who wear helmets from the moment they start riding their first wheeled toy are more likely to continue wearing their helmet as they get older into their teen years. Death or serious injuryCyclists may suffer death or serious injury in the event of an accident if the bicycle helmet they are wearing does not adequately protect their head. Wearing a helmet can avoid hazards when on bikes or scooters etc. Parents giving advice to their children and holding their hands can also prevent hazards on the road. |
The helmet regulation was introduced as a result of cyclists having to comply with the Australian Road Rules. The basic rule is that in all Australian events on the road and track an approved helmet with the Australian Standard sticker (AS2063) must be worn. The only events where this may not apply are noted in Rule 3.2.02 and are explained as follows: a) TRACK - In all track events competitors shall wear an approved AS2063, ANSI, Snell or EN approved helmet b) ROAD - In all road events with the exception of International UCI events (provided permits have been obtained), an Australian Standards approved helmet AS2063 shall be worn.
Where to get help Safety Centre, The Royal Children’s Hospital Tel. (03) 9345 5085 VicRoads, Tel. 13 11 71 Bicycle Network Victoria Tel. (03) 8376 8888 or 1800 639 634 RACV Tel. (03) 9790 2190 |