Hello.  Damian White here, your new Community Garda for Bantry.
In this issue, I will discuss Road Safety for going to school.

WALKING TO SCHOOL

• Choose a safe route to school and keep hold of your child’s hand at all times
• Children walking on country roads should wear reflective armbands and belt
• Don’t allow your child to cross the road between parked cars.  This is very dangerous as a driver will not be able to see your child.  Show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and explain the reasons why to your child.
• The best person to teach your child to cross the road safely is you.  But remember, a child will do as you do, not as you say.  So set a good example yourself.

TRAVELLING BY BUS

• Teach your child to take special care when getting on or off the bus
• While waiting for a bus, get them to stand well in on the footpath or grass verge.
• Before crossing the road, they should wait until the bus has moved off so they can see clearly in both directions.
• On the bus your child should remain seated until the journey is complete.
• Seatbelts are provided and must be used.

DRIVING YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL

• Children should sit in the back seat and each should have their own safety restraint.  Ensure that they cannot open doors or windows.
• Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, even for a brief period.
• Set down and collect your children on the school side of the road whenever possible.  Never park opposite and call your child.
• Do not park where parking is not allowed.  This area is to be kept clear to ensure clear visibility where road crossings are in place.
• Co-operate with school wardens.
• Set a good example to children by always wearing your seatbelt.

CYCLING TO SCHOOL

• Children under 12 do not have the skills and experience to be safe in traffic on their own and should be accompanied by an adult.
• Children should be taught that a bicycle is a vehicle and must follow the same rules as other road users.  Traffic lights apply to cyclists too, and red means stop.
• Ensure the bicycle is a suitable size for your child and they can comfortably apply the brakes.
• Check that the bicycle is in good working order.
• Make sure that your child wears bright clothes.  The higher the visibility, the lower the risk.
• Because they are vulnerable, cyclists should wear a helmet suitable for their head size and correctly fitted.

THE SAFE CROSS CODE

1. Look for a safe place to cross
2. Don’t hurry!  Always STOP and WAIT
3. LOOK all around before you cross the road.
4. LISTEN for any traffic.
5. If traffic is coming, let it pass.  Then look around again.
6. When there is no traffic, walk straight across the road.
7. Look and listen for traffic while you cross.

I HOPE YOU WILL FIND THIS INFORMATION USEFUL AND TOGETHER WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN AS THEY TRAVEL TO SCHOOL.
Your Community Garda
Damian White