By Debbie West-McInnes, Head of Primary
A recent visit by the RACQ Streets Ahead Education Program supported our Health Program by focusing on road safety rules.
Our Prep to Year 6 students participated in interactive activities on 25/26 February with RACQ Education Officers to develop further knowledge of road safety rules. This was in response to a request from our Student Council in 2019 for bike safety information for Upper Primary. We had to postpone our 2020 presentation until this year, and it was worth the wait for these engaging presentations.
The specially designed road mat gave our Prep to Year 2 the ability to learn correct road safety behaviours and practice crossing the road safely. They learnt that when using a Zebra Crossing, they need to Stop, Look, Listen and Think.
One other area of education was the Safety Door. Each student was sent home with a stick on sign to add to the inside of the family car so students are aware of the Safety Door. It is the rear passenger door that opens closest to the footpath or nature strip. Using the Safety Door will keep your child off the road when they enter and exit the car.
For our Year 3 to 6 students, Education Officers demonstrated the importance of responsible behaviours and laws regarding bikes and skateboards. They looked at the importance of safety equipment such as helmets and seatbelts through engaging lessons focusing on 'Be Bright Be Seen'. They also talked about the important laws for riding on the road when using a bike or skateboard.
The program also includes:
Safe Pedestrian: Students revise the strategy of ‘Stop, Look, Listen, Think’ when crossing the road and choosing a safe place to cross.
Safe Playing: Educating children on choosing safe places to play that are not near the road or driveway.
Safety Door: Children learn to enter and exit the car using the ‘Safety Door’ (back passenger door) and to ‘Slip, Clip, Clap’ showing the importance of wearing a seatbelt.
Safe Cyclist: Children learn the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet and how to wear it correctly using the ‘Two Finger Rule’.
Safe Passenger: Students recognise what driver distraction is and learn strategies to become a safer passenger in the car.
Bike Safety: Through demonstrations students learn that helmets absorb energy and protect their head and the consequences of not wearing a helmet.
Bike Maintenance: An engaging game educates students on how to maintain their bikes and safety features required on every bicycle.
Seat Belt Safety: Students learn how seatbelts work and why their height is a critical factor in determining if they can sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
Distractions: Students learn how their own behaviour can distract a driver and explore ways to reduce the risk of driver distraction.
Click on the RACQ link for material and activities presented to our students for follow up at home.
Be part of our supportive St Peters Springfield community and contact enrolment by email s.enolments@stpeters.qld.edu.au or call 3470 3888
