Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea, is encouraging the community to support “Walk Safely to School Day”, this Friday (15 May).
“The aim is to encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school children, to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour,” Mr O’Dea said.
“It highlights road safety for the young and should help establish good pedestrian practices as they grow older,” he said.
Guidelines suggest that children up to eight years of age should hold a grown-up’s hand on the footpath, in the car park and when crossing the road.
Children between eight and ten should be closely supervised in the traffic environment and hold an adult’s hand when crossing or preparing to cross the road. If the adult’s hand is occupied, it is suggested the child holds the adult’s arm, sleeve, bag, trolley etc.
“Any time we cross a road, we are particularly vulnerable to an accident. This is especially the case for primary school children whose senses and judgments are still developing. A key rule is to always stop, look, listen and think.” Mr O’Dea said.
“There are also advantages for the adults taking part in Walk Safely to School Day. Moderate physical activity, including walking, can significantly enhance well-being and productivity.” Mr O’Dea said.
According to the Pedestrian Council, those who walk regularly are 24% less likely to develop dementia and men are 17 to 28% less likely to develop depression.
“Walk Safely To School Day also provides an ideal launch pad for a regular exercise regime, or increasing an existing program to achieve a better personal lifestyle,” Mr O’Dea concluded.
