Walking safely to School this winter

We are aware that a number of our pupils are coming to School on dark mornings and, as we are in the depths of winter, darker evenings are a regular feature.  Anything that we can do to educate them regarding personal safety and keeping safe as pedestrians and cyclists is of value.  As such, many of our pupils will have already received a high-vis reflective fob to attach to their coat or bag.  As keeping our children safe is a concern we all share, you may wish to discuss the following information with your children, particularly if they are making their own way in to School.
 
Plan your trip
Set out a safe walking route in advance with plenty of pedestrian crossings.  In no time, children will be familiarised with a mapped out and safe route, putting parents' minds at ease.
 
Be visible
Make sure the children can be seen.  High-vis yellow vests and reflectors are great for making children easy to spot. Being visible can alert drivers or cyclists, especially in the winter months, that your child is there, reducing the risk of accidents on the road.
 
Be vigilant
It is important that your child can see danger and avoid it.  Advice from Think! suggests parents should encourage kids to find a safe place to cross, look left and right for oncoming traffic and always walk across the street and never run to avoid tripping over and causing an accident.
 
Follow the Green Cross Code
We all know it, so drill it into every family member.  Spend some time on the Road Wise website and remind children every day to Stop, Look, Listen and Think.  Usually, children can cross with ease on their way to school, but sometimes there isn’t always a clear path, traffic light or zebra crossing.  Encourage children to find a safe place to cross the road, listen for oncoming traffic and when there is no traffic near, cross quickly but safely.
 
Inservi Deo et laetare!