JENNY AITCHISON

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - JENNY AITCHISON TAKES STEPS TOWARDS ROAD SAFETY AND HEALTHY HABITS ON WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

Primary school aged kids and their families are encouraged to ditch the car and step out for a safe and active journey to school for this year’s Walk Safely to School Day on 19 May 2023.

Now in its 24th year, National Walk Safely to School Day is an annual nation-wide event by the Pedestrian Council of Australia where all primary school children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a community event promoting road safety, health, public transport and the environment.

National Walk Safely to School Day coincides with SARAH Group's National Road Safety Week, which aims to raise awareness about the shared responsibility of road safety.

To find out more about Walk Safely to School Day visit www.walk.com.au.

Families can also find practical road safety tips and activities for children at www.safetytown.com.au.

To find out more about National Road Safety week please visit: www.roadsafetyweek.com.au

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

"Children are some of our most vulnerable road users – they are often inquisitive and fearless. This is why educating them about making safe road decisions and healthy lifestyle choices from an early age is essential. Their journey to and from school can be a fun and engaging way to do this.

"Children learn from the adults closest to them, and today is a great day to walk and talk with them about making safe decisions as you make your way to school. Hold your child’s hand, choose safe places to cross the road such as pedestrian crossings and explain to your child why they are safe choices."

"As children get older and become more independent, families can help build independence and awareness skills by regularly talking to their children about the responsibility and importance of making safe decisions around roads. 

“One of the best examples to school children are our school crossing supervisors, whose job demonstrates clearly to kids where and when it is safe to cross the road.

"If you do have to drive this walk safely to school day, try leaving the car a good distance from school and walk the rest of the way with your child. That way you can talk to them about being aware of traffic and show them the best and safest places to cross the road near their school."

 MEDIA:

Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540