Police stepping out to support kids during road safety week

Police are marching to support school kids and their communities to keep safe as part of United Nations Road Safety Week beginning tomorrow (Monday 4 May).

Police and its road safety partners will be playing their part during the week of events (4-10 May), that will see more than 700 schools, kindergartens, companies and communities involved in activities that promote increased safety awareness around our most vulnerable road users. As part of efforts to help keep children safe, Police will also be focusing on road safety enforcement around school zones.

Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing, Dave Cliff, and Counties Manukau Road Policing Manager Alison Brand, will be among those joining school children tomorrow in 'Giant Walk' launch events organised by road safety charity Brake in Wellington and Auckland respectively.

Details of Giant Walk events can be found here: http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release/media-advisory-police-stepping-out-support-un-road-safety-week-2015-%E2%80%93-media-photo-opp

"Tragically, since 2007, more than 1100 school age children have been killed or injured after being struck by vehicles outside schools, and this something we want to prevent," Mr Cliff says. 

"Speed remains a critical factor in every collision and determines whether or not you walk away or get stretchered away. Reducing speed is even more important in preventing injuries to children, given they are far more vulnerable than adults in a collision. 

"How fast we’re travelling determines how long it takes to stop, and the force of any impact will be much worse if a driver is speeding.

"That's why Police this week will be paying particular attention to vehicle speeds and driver behaviour around schools, including the correct use of child restraints. We'll also be breath testing anyone stopped for any reason.

"Children can be unpredictable, so motorists need to be well prepared to stop safely in and around school zones. This means slowing down and giving yourself enough time and space to stop suddenly if needed, as well as giving cyclists plenty of room and travelling at no more than 20km/h past a stationary school bus.

"We also remind drivers that a permanent 4km/h reduced speed threshold remains in place around all school zones, and Police will be strictly enforcing the limit within 250m of school boundaries."

During the week, Police in the Eastern Police district will also be involved in operations focussing on reducing speeds around schools and school buses.

NZTA’s Road Safety Director, Ernst Zollner says: “Road Safety Week is a chance for Kiwis to reflect on how the way we drive affects everyone in the community, including our children. Everyone has the right to be safe on the road and we all need to take responsibility for the wellbeing of the people that we share the road with every day.” 

Leo Mortimer, the Ministry of Transport’s Land Transport Safety Manager, says Road Safety Week is an important reminder that young children are road users too.

"We all need to be mindful and watchful when we see them on the roads and footpaths. And when children are passengers in vehicles, make sure they are appropriately restrained.”

ENDS

 

Police media contact: Ross Henderson, ph021 192 2919

Brake media contact: Caroline Perry, ph021 407 953

Ministery of Transport media contact: Felicity Connell, ph022 066 2431

NZ Transport Agency media contact: Andy Knackstedt, ph021 276 3222

 

Tips for motorists near schools:

• Be alert for children; they can be unpredictable.

• Slow down in and near school zones or residential areas and come to a complete stop at all intersections.

• Look for clues such as crossing guards, bicycles and playgrounds which indicate children could be in the area.

• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.

• The speed limit for passing a stationary school bus is 20km/h.

• Allow plenty of time so you are not rushed as you travel to work or school.

 

Safe walking tips for parents:

 

• Young children should be accompanied by an adult, older child, or a buddy.

• Involve children in selecting the safest route to school/home. Take a practice walk with your children along the route so they become familiar with it.

• Teach children to stop, listen and look for approaching and turning vehicles.

• Discuss the use of crosswalks, and why it's safer to cross at some corners rather than others.

• Discuss the meaning of traffic signals and markings along the route.

• Teach them to cooperate with police, school safety patrols and adult crossing guards.

• Set a good example for children - their actions and attitudes are modelled after yours.

 

When picking up or dropping off children:

 

·         Ensure children get in and out on the footpath side of the car.

·         Park safely, away from yellow lines, intersections and driveways.

·         Don't double park outside a school. Park further away if necessary and walk with your children to and from the school gate.

·         Drive slowly outside schools and be prepared to stop in case children dart out.

·         Take extra care on wet days.