SCHOOL VACATION

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23415, 23 August 1941, Page 3

SCHOOL VACATION

INCREASING DANGER ON

THE ROADS

CARE URGED ON MOTORISTS

“For motorists there is significance in the fact that from this week-end the pupils of the various schools will start their seasonal vacation, and the familiar school signs will have a meaning and message extending to every thoroughfare in the Dominion, says the latest road safety message of the Automobile Association, Canterbury. “Vacation time means, for the school children, enjoyment of the larger liberty; the discipline of the school is relaxed, and the lesson of road safety insulcated by the teachers may 'be overlooked in the enthusiasm of games and new-found freedom. “For many children, particularly in the cities and towns, vacation may mean the use of streets and roads as playgrounds where they may play, dangerously, because of traffic. The modern paved road appeals to the child owner of a bicycle, skates, scooter, or trolley, and there is always the danger of an elusive ball finding its way on to the roadway. Children take risks with traffic, not because they are careless or reckless, but because they are children, and because of that they are entitled to, and must get, the protection of all users of vehicles on the “The various week-end resorts, and near the public playgrounds and parks will be found to be danger spots. The significance of the school sign has become Dominion-wide in its application, and motorists, particularly, are requested to observe the utmost caution to the end that nothing they do will bring injury or worse to any one of the tens of thousands of youngsters enjoying their vacation. “There is a call on parents and relations, to remind children daily of the necessity for playing away from roads. Children who are to be allowed to visit, or spend their holidays in another city, or town, should be warned of the increased danger because of increased traffic, which may be faster, in strange streets. If young folk must go out after nightfall, they should be garbed in light clothing or carry something white or a torch as a protection when crossing roads. If they must walk along roads where therfe are no footpaths, children as well as adults should walk on the right facing oncoming traffic. Motorists, particularly, should act faithfully in applying the rule that children should be seen and not hurt.”