ROAD SAFETY HINTS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

Northern Advocate, 25 March 1937, Page 12

ROAD SAFETY HINTS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

As part of the Government’s roadsafety campaign, thousands of leaflets addressed to parents, and containing rules for the safety of their children have been distributed through Northland schools during the past week. They are Issued by the Minister of Transport, the Hon. R. Semple, through the Transport Department. “The leaflets are most valuable, and should be read by everyone,” said Mr. C. V. Stringer, chairman of the Whangarei School Committee, today. “They contain in well set out form the guiding principles which we have been endeavouring to pass on to the children for some time.” Every teacher is expected to retain a copy and use it frequently as a basis for discussion with the class. It is directed that the pupils should be encouraged to discuss the rules, one by one, so that the reasons for each rule will be apparent, for it is highly desirable that the pupils should realise that the code is not a mere collection of arbitrary rules but a document a thorough knowledge of which is essential to the physical welfare of the children of the Dominion. Illustrate Rules.

Wherever possible, it is stated, the rules should be illustrated by blackboard sketches, and, better still, by actual physical demonstrations in schoolroom and playground. Teachers are asked to take note of any breach of the code they observe on the .public highways and use such in their morning talks, daily if necessary. The circular states that constant training is necessary, and can best be given by the parent; and that a child’s safety depends largely upon the parent’s advice and example. * “You are therefore urged to make your child acquainted with the rules and courtesies of the road,” continues the circular, “and to see that your child observes them. In general—“(a) Never send a very young child on errands and, whenever possible, see that any child of yours under seven years of age is accompanied by yourself, another adult, or an older and trustworthy child. “(b) Dispatch your child sufficiently early to allow him to reach school in time without taking risks.” Fourteen Rules. Fourteen rules and safety hints for the child perestrian are given, the main principles being to keep to the footpath and to keep a sharp lookout pnd observe signals when crossing the read.

If a child is a cyclist this advice applies: “Be sure your child is competent to manage his cycle, and knows the traffic rules.. See that the cycle is of a suitable size, properly equipped with efficient bell, lights and brakes, and is in other respects in a safe condition. You are earnestly requested to discourage your children from riding in the centre of the road, or speeding down hill or around bends.”