Road Dangers To Children

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30310, 10 December 1963, Page 18

Road Dangers To Children

(N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 9. When all schools have broken up for the annual holidays, 600,000 children will be freed from the immediate discipline and guidance of their teachers. This will impose an even greater responsibility upon all parents to keep their children safe from harm on the roads. The Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) said today traffic instructors and road safety officers had been working hard in past months to wstil road sense into children of all ages. Even the 15.000 youngsters who attend kindergartenshad been given some elementary traffic education. “This good work done in schools will have even greater value if parents and other adults make a deter-

mined effort to set a sound example in road behaviour,” Mr McAlpine said. Drivers must not only be alert at all times to avoid accidents, they must also conscientiously observe the rules of law and common sense in front of youngsters Parents should ensure by instruction and example that children fully understand and practise safety. “If their mothers and fathers or other adult relations, are wild and reckless we cannot expect, sensible, responsible behaviour from younger members of the family,’’ he said. Mr McAlpine said that once the holidays have begun the danger spots for children would be at beaches and other resorts, near parks and playgrounds, and right outside the homes of those who do not go away. “Such places can result in real heartbreaks for parents who fail to be strict about where their children play. Roads are for vehicles, not games,” he said. “It is especially such circumstances should make all motorists adopt a defensive attitude to driving.

Where or when children are likely to be about the defensive driver must look well ahead, anticipate the worst, and be always ready to mind that child. “Our campaign slogan for the holiday period is ’Slow Down and Live.' This is a particularly apt message when we think of our special responsibilities as drivers for the safety of all children.”