WHY ROAD SAFETY MATTERS

Roads are shared by people and moving vehicles such as cars, buses, scooters, motorcycles and bicycles.

Vehicles can move quickly, and some may be difficult to see or hear at first. That is why being near a road means paying attention and making careful choices.

Road safety is not about being scared. It is about knowing what to do so you can make a safer choice.

WHERE IS IT SAFER TO WALK?

When you are walking, use a footpath or sidewalk where one is available. It gives you a place to walk that is separated from moving traffic.

Stay away from moving vehicles and avoid playing close to the road.

When appropriate, walk with a responsible adult, especially in busy or unfamiliar places. Stay alert and pay attention to what is happening around you.

Remember: A safe walk begins with paying attention.

STOP BEFORE YOU CROSS

Before you enter a road, STOP at a safe waiting point.

Do not rush into the road.

Stopping gives you time to think, look and listen before making your next choice.

If you are unsure about where or when to cross, stay in a safe place and ask a responsible adult for help.

LOOK

After stopping, LOOK carefully for approaching vehicles.

Look carefully in both directions for approaching traffic. Keep watching as you decide whether it is safe to cross.

Do not assume that a road is clear just because you do not see a vehicle immediately.

Look carefully. Take your time.

LISTEN

Listen for traffic too, but never rely on listening alone. Keep looking carefully for vehicles.

Sometimes a vehicle may not be easy to see straight away. Listening can give you another clue that traffic may be nearby.

Looking and listening work together. Neither should be treated as a reason to stop paying attention to the other.

CROSS SAFELY

When a suitable pedestrian crossing is available, use it.

But remember: being at a crossing does not automatically mean it is safe to cross.

Stop first. Look carefully. Listen for traffic. Then cross only when you have made a safe decision.

Stay alert while crossing and do not run into the road.

If you are unsure, stay where you are safe and ask a responsible adult for help.

STAY ALERT

Roads are not places for games or distractions.

Near a road:

• Put away your phone.
• Put away toys that could distract you.
• Do not run into the road.
• Do not play near moving traffic.
• Pay attention to vehicles and your surroundings.

For example, if you are walking home from school and become interested in something on your phone, stop and put the phone away before you get near a road.

Your attention is an important part of staying safe.

TRAVELLING SAFELY

When you travel in a car, bus or other vehicle, follow the safety instructions of the responsible adult travelling with you.

• Wear the seat belt or appropriate child restraint provided for you.
• Stay seated and follow the responsible adult’s instructions.

Good passenger habits help make travelling safer for everyone.

WHEN YOU ARE CYCLING

Cycling also requires attention and care.

• Wear a properly fitted helmet.
• Ride in a suitable safe area.
• Follow applicable road rules.
• Stay alert to people, vehicles and your surroundings.

If you are unsure about where or how to ride safely, ask a responsible adult for help.

A separate Bicycle Safety resource can teach cycling safety in more detail.

REMEMBER

STOP

Before entering the road, stop at a safe waiting point.

LOOK

Look carefully for approaching traffic.

LISTEN

Listen for traffic that may not be immediately visible. Remember: listening is additional — never rely on it instead of looking.

CROSS SAFELY

Cross at a suitable crossing point when available, and cross only when it is safe.

STOP → LOOK → LISTEN → CROSS SAFELY

ASK YOURSELF

1. Why should you stop before crossing a road?
2. Why is listening useful when you are near a road?
3. Why should you put away your phone or toys near traffic?
4. Who can you ask for help if you are unsure what to do?

PARENT / TEACHER TIP

When travelling together, briefly point out a safe walking route or suitable crossing point and ask the child to explain why stopping, looking and listening are important. Keep the discussion calm and focused on making safer choices.