Road Safety

Roads are part of our daily life. People walk, cycle, ride and drive on roads. Cars, buses and trucks move fast. This can make roads dangerous if we are not careful. Every child must learn how to stay safe. Road safety keeps our bodies and feelings safe. When children learn safety rules, they can travel to school and play safely.

Road safety is about looking and thinking before we act. It is about listening to adults and following rules. Simple rules make a big difference. Small habits, like holding a grown-up's hand near a road, can save a life. Everyone who uses the road must care for others. Drivers must watch children. Children must watch drivers too.

Learning road safety helps us be helpful citizens. We learn to keep our friends safe. We learn to tell an adult if a road is broken or if traffic lights do not work. It is a lifelong skill that grows with us as we move from walking to cycling to using buses and cars.

Walking is the most common way children use roads. To be safe, always choose the pavement or footpath when it is available. Pavements keep you away from moving vehicles and give a clear place to walk. If there is no pavement, walk on the side of the road that faces the traffic. This helps you see oncoming vehicles and step out of the way if needed.

Keep a steady distance from the edge of the road. Do not play or run close to parked cars because drivers or other vehicles may not see you. Always hold a grown-up's hand near busy roads, crossings or parking spaces. In narrow places walk in a single file so you do not push into the road. When walking in a group, the tallest or oldest should walk closest to the road to protect younger children.

Make yourself visible to drivers by wearing bright clothes or reflective strips, especially when it is dim or evening. Avoid distractions like using a phone or wearing earphones near traffic. Look ahead and around you; watch for driveways, turning vehicles and open car doors. Practise calm and patient walking: do not run or push others. These simple, repeated habits will keep you safer whenever you walk near roads.

Crossing a road is a careful task. Children must follow steps each time. First, stop at the kerb or edge of the road. Do not step onto the road until you are sure it is safe. Next, look to the left and right and then left again. Keep listening for vehicles you cannot see. If the road is clear, walk straight across calmly.

Use a zebra crossing or traffic light crossing when available. If there is a crossing, wait for the signal or for cars to stop. Do not run across the road. If you carry a bag or an umbrella, keep both hands free to look and hold hands. Always cross with an adult until you are very confident and older.

Learn to count the lanes and guess how long you will take to cross. If a vehicle is turning near you, wait and be sure the driver sees you. Teach children to always check twice, even if an adult is there to help. These simple steps keep crossings safe.

Traffic signs and signals are like helpers on the road. They tell drivers and walkers what to do so everyone stays safe. Signs use simple shapes, colours and pictures so they are easy to understand. For example, a red circle usually shows 'do not' or 'stop'; a triangular sign warns of danger ahead, and blue signs tell you to do something like follow a path.

Children should learn a few important signs that they will see near school and homes. These include the zebra crossing sign, the stop sign, the school zone sign and the pedestrian sign. Traffic lights are also very important. When the light is red, vehicles must stop. When it is green, they may go. Yellow or amber means slow down and be ready to stop. The pedestrian light uses little walking figures: green for walk and red for wait.

Learn to look for signs and signals on every walk. Signs are placed where drivers need a reminder, such as near bends, playgrounds or narrow roads. Teachers can show pictures and take children on short walks to spot signs. If a sign is broken or unclear, tell a grown-up so it can be fixed. Obeying these signs keeps you and drivers safe and makes the road calm for everyone.

Being safe inside any vehicle is very important. When you get into a car, always sit properly in the seat and wear your seat belt. A seat belt holds you in place and helps stop you from falling if the car stops suddenly. Never move around or stand when the vehicle is moving because you can slip or get hurt.

On a school bus, sit in your seat and keep the aisle clear. Do not shout or push other children. When the bus stops, wait for the driver to stop fully and the door to open before you stand up. If you need to get something from under the seat or pick up a dropped item, ask the driver or an adult to help rather than reaching out while the vehicle is moving.

Keep your hands and head inside the vehicle at all times; do not lean out of windows. Use the correct door to get in and out and step onto the pavement, not the road. If you are getting off near busy traffic, hold an adult's hand. Follow the driver's or teacher's instructions on how to board and leave safely. These good habits protect you and others while travelling.

Bicycles are fun, healthy and help us move around. But riding safely is very important. Always wear a helmet that fits well and fasten the strap. A helmet can protect your head during a fall. Also wear closed shoes and avoid loose clothes that can get caught in the chain.

Before you start, check your bicycle. Look at the tyres to see if they have enough air, test the brakes so they stop properly, and make sure the chain is not too loose. Tighten the seat and handlebars for a comfortable ride. If you find a problem, tell an adult and do not ride until it is fixed.

While riding, keep both hands on the handlebar and both feet on the pedals. Ride on the left side of the road if there is no cycle track, and stay in a straight line. Use your bell to warn people when you pass them. Do not carry heavy or awkward items that make you lose balance. In crowded places or near shops, walk the bicycle on the pavement. At dusk and night use a light and reflectors so drivers can see you. Follow road rules and be calm to keep your ride safe and pleasant.

Road emergencies may happen suddenly. A person may fall, get hurt or be involved in a crash. The first thing to do is stay calm. Panic can make things worse. Move yourself and the injured person, if possible, to a safe place away from traffic. Do not move someone who seems badly hurt unless they are in immediate danger from traffic or fire.

Find a trusted adult nearby — a parent, teacher, neighbour or police officer — and tell them clearly what has happened and where you are. If there is a phone, call the emergency number you have been taught. Give the caller your location, the nature of the emergency and the number of people hurt. Speak slowly and clearly so the helper can find you quickly.

If you know basic first aid steps taught by a teacher or parent, use them carefully for small cuts or bleeding while waiting for help. Put pressure on a bleeding wound with a clean cloth and keep the person warm. Do not give food or drink to someone who is unconscious. Stay with the person until a grown-up or the emergency team arrives and follow their instructions. Practising these steps helps you act quickly and safely in real emergencies.

Being a careful pedestrian means more than watching for cars. It means being kind and helping others to be safe too. Walk calmly and in an orderly way on the pavement. Let faster people pass politely. Do not push or run near roads where traffic moves. Keep your bag or school things close so they do not swing into the road.

If you see younger children near a busy street, offer to hold their hand or tell a nearby adult. Report problems such as broken crossings, non-working signals or missing signboards to a teacher or parent so authorities can fix them. Saying 'thank you' to drivers who stop at crossings teaches politeness and builds good habits between drivers and pedestrians.

Children can also remind friends of road rules in a friendly way, such as telling them to stop running near the road or to wear a helmet while cycling. When a child grows older, they can set a good example for younger brothers or sisters. Small acts of care and responsibility help make the whole neighbourhood safer for everyone.