Pakenham Consolidate students Jasmine, Rachel, Ryan and Lachlan tuck into a healthy breakfast after walking to school.
CHILDREN watched their step last Friday when they pulled on walking shoes as part of the annual Walk Safely to School Day.
Police and teachers encouraged children to walk and commute safely to school with a parent or guardian.
Coordinated by the Pedestrian Council of Australia, the event sought to reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour and help children develop vital road-crossing skills from an early age.
Pakenham youth resource officer Senior Constable Helen Marsham visited Pakenham Consolidated School to talk to students about road safety as part of the day.
“It is really important to teach children about road safety from an early age and parents, teachers and police must work together to promote this important issue to young people,” Sen Const Marsham said. “Walk Safely to School Day is a great way to promote road safety, while also promoting the health benefits of walking to school to children and parents.”
Sen Const Marsham said children up to the age of 10 might not have developed the peripheral vision or listening abilities necessary for them to be able to cross the road safely by themselves. She also stressed the dangers of crossing between parked cars and encouraged motorists to watch their speed in and around school zones.
“If an eight-year-old is standing between parked cars they are completely hidden from oncoming traffic and drivers will not see them until they step out onto the road,” Sen Const Marsham said.
