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Keep Children Safe Over Summer

Have a safe and happy summer this year.

By Bass Coast Shire Council - 23rd November 2007 - Back to News

That’s the message going out to parents and children across Bass Coast.

Council’s Community Safety Manager, Peter Laydon said that children and young people were a particular focus in this year’s Summer Safety campaign.

"We are coming up to holidays and the busiest time of the year," said Mr Laydon.

"There are more people in our towns and more cars on the roads.

"We’d like to see parents taking some extra precautions with their children, so everyone has a safe and happy summer."

Mr Laydon said the increased traffic on the roads meant the role of the School Crossing Supervisor was more important than ever.

"We want children to use these school crossing areas," stressed Mr Laydon.

"It’s also very important that everyone observes the 40 km speed limit at crossings and schools.

"The rules are not flexible and neither are we. They are designed for everyone’s safety," Mr Laydon continued.

"We encourage people to report any breeches to Council or the Police."

Mr Laydon said the crossing supervisors were unsung heroes.

"They are out at the school crossings rain, hail and shine, looking after the safety of children and adults," said Mr Laydon.

The warmer weather also means more children are out on their bicycles.

"We’d like to remind people of some good, common sense rules about bike riding," said Mr Laydon.

"We all know how quickly children grow. Now would be a good time to check that your children’s bike helmets fit properly. And make sure they never wear a hat or a cap under the helmet.

"It is also a good idea to wear shoes, rather than sandals or thongs, and light or bright coloured clothing when you are riding," continued Mr Laydon.

"And putting reflectors on your bike does make it easier for motorists to see you."

Mr Laydon said parents needed to talk to their children about road safety and where they could ride their bikes.

"Children under ten are allowed to ride on the footpath, but they need to take care with other pedestrians," explained Mr Laydon.

"And even on a footpath, there could still be cars backing out of driveways.

"No matter where you ride, you need to keep an eye out for cars and trucks. And it isn’t a good idea for children to wear headphones when they are riding, as the music can distract them from noises around them, such as a car blowing its horn."

Local bike shops can offer advice on bike and helmet safety checks. A map of Bass Coast bicycle touring and training routes is available from Council’s website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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