Travelling safely to and from school by car

Thousands of families drive their children to school every week in NSW. Safety is a priority for everyone.

Parents and carers are responsible for their child's safety when travelling to and from school.

When travelling in the car ensure your child:

  • is correctly buckled up with a seatbelt or child car seat
  • always gets in and out of the car through the 'safety door'. This is the rear door on the footpath side of the car
  • uses a booster seat, if aged between four and seven years old, or until they reach a height of 145cm. Find more information about Child car seats.
  • is never left alone in the car.
Image: Choosing the appropriate car seat for your child.

Driving and parking safely near your school

The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and drivers outside schools.

You can help keep children safe by remembering the following:

  • drop your child off and pick them up on the school side of the road
  • never call out to them from across the road - it is very dangerous
  • always take extra care in 40km school zones
  • follow all parking signs - these help keep your child as safe as possible
  • park responsibly even if it means you have to walk further to the school gate
  • never double park - it is illegal and puts children at risk
  • never do a U-turn or a three point turn outside the school as it puts children at risk of harm
  • model safe and considerate pedestrian and driver behaviours to your child
  • always give way to pedestrians particularly when entering and leaving driveways.
Image: Remember to drive with care in school zones.

Parking on school grounds

School grounds must be safe for all students, staff and visitors. Parking areas may be available but special care should be taken when driving on school grounds.

To keep everyone safe drive very slowly, no more than 10km/h on school grounds.

Translated road safety Information

Drive and park safely near schools - translations are available in 36 languages.

Category:

  • External engagement

Topics:

  • Safety
  • Wellbeing

Business Unit:

  • Teaching Quality and Impact
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