Walking to school safely

Never too old to be safe

Pedestrians and drivers have a shared responsibility on and near roads and need to look after each other.

Staying safe while out walking

  • plan your walking routes
  • avoid busy roads, if possible
  • choose a place to cross the road where you can clearly see it is safe to cross
  • walk the extra distance to use a pedestrian crossing, traffic island, pedestrian lights or overhead bridge, if available
  • walk on the far right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic, when there is no footpath.

Before you cross the road:

  • unplug your earphones and put away your phone
  • avoid crossing between parked cars or at the front or back of buses and large vehicles
  • at intersections, check for turning vehicles before you leave the kerb
  • look out before you step out.

Using pedestrians crossings

  • stop at the kerb until cars have completely stopped, as drivers don't always see you
  • try and make eye contact with the driver before you cross, so you know they have seen you
  • when safe, promptly walk across the road, continually scanning and listening for oncoming traffic.

Walking with friends

Help keep yourself and your friend safe by:

  • focusing on your surroundings
  • acting safely on and near roads.

Download the Walking to School Safely pdf to share with your school community

More information

Visit Centre for Road SafetyExternal link for more information.

Category:

  • Teaching and learning

Topics:

  • Road safety

Business Unit:

  • Teaching, Learning and Student Wellbeing
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