Moving on up
YOUNG people moving to secondary school this September are being given advice on how to stay safe when term starts.
Pupils who are starting a new school may be walking or cycling to school on their own for the first time.
Lancashire County Council’s Road Safety Group is offering advice on how to make sure these new journeys are safe and stress free.
Clare Farrer, Deputy Group Manager said:
“Making the move from primary to secondary school is an exciting time for children with lots of new things to try, including a new journey. A new route to school may mean new roads to cross, cycle routes to find or buses to catch, it may even be the first time that they have had to travel on their own.
“Around one sixth of child road casualties are recorded as happening to or from school. Careful planning and a good understanding of road safety however will help your child make the journey to secondary school safely”.
The Road Safety Group has provided five top tips to help your children get to school safely.
- Have a ‘practice journey’, perhaps during the holidays, so that your child knows exactly what to do and where to go. This way you can spot any hazards along the way and help them plan the best and safest route.
- Find out bus timetables and fares so that your child will be fully prepared for their journey.
- Encourage your child not to use their mobile phones or listen to music when crossing roads as this will affect their concentration.
- Find out if any of your child’s friends live nearby so that they can share the journey.
- If your child is cycling to school make sure they have the correct safety equipment and they know where the cycle routes are.
The Road Safety Group have also organised performances of the Walking Forwards production ‘The Price’ in schools across the county to help raise awareness among this age group. The hard hitting drama shows students the effects of peer pressure and helps them to make safe choices.
To find out more about Theatre in Education contact the Education Team on 01772 530494 or email roadsafety@lancashire.gov.uk
