St Anne's Catholic Primary School

The numbers of cars and other vehicles on our roads is increasing all the time and it is ever more important for all young people to understand the potential risks and dangers.

Learning to stay safe on our busy roads is a complex task. At Saint Anne's we believe it is vital to teach our pupils how to be safe passengers, pedestrians & cyclists. Working together with parents, pupils and the school community is the only way we can ensure that we are safe when we are out and about.

Road safety for children refers to the methods and precautions that are put in place to teach children how to behave safely around roads, avoiding behind killed or injured. Typical road users include pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, vehicle passengers and passengers of on-road public transport (mainly buses and trams).

Crossing The Road

We want all our children to be safe whenever they're out and about. Remember this sequence every time you need to cross the road.

1. Think - look for a safe place to cross.
2. Stop - wait at the edge of the kerb.
3. Look and listen - make sure you can hear as well as see any traffic.
4. Wait - if there is any traffic, wait for it to pass.
5. Look and listen again - check again for any traffic.
6. Arrive alive - walk (don't run) straight across the road.

Please Drive and Park Safely

The start and end of the school day is always a busy time. If you are coming to school by car please remember to park safely and legally.

• Parking or stopping in the middle of the road or on the pavement is dangerous for pupils and parents and often there is not enough space to walk past the cars.
• Always wear your seatbelt, no matter how long or short your journey is. If the driver is going too fast (especially if above the speed limit), ask them to slow down! Do not distract the driver.
• Always use a car seat/booster seat and keep children in the back seat.
• Please take care not to block the driveways of the local residents.  
• Get your child out of the car on the pavement side.
• Please make sure it is safe to open the car doors – open them on the pavement side not the side of the road.
• It is illegal to use your mobile phone whilst driving – it puts you, your family at risk.
• Don’t be distracted by your mobile phone or music device when walking or driving.

Smart Drivers are Bike Smart

Being a smart driver is not just about having the latest gadgets and being skilled at parallel parking. Smart drivers are responsible and considerate of other road users, particularly those travelling on two wheels.

Road Safety on Bikes

• Don't jump red lights or cycle on the pavement unless it's a designated cycle path;
• Signal clearly at all times;
• Ride in a position where you can see and be seen;
• Make eye contact with other road users, especially at junctions, then you know they've seen you;
• When riding at night always use a working white front light and red backlight, plus a red rear reflector - it's the law.
• Wear a helmet

If you're cycling on paths shared by walkers, wheelchair users etc. 

• Don't go too fast - it can intimidate others;
• Use your bell to let others know you are approaching, but don't assume they can hear or see you;
• Give way to others and always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary;
• Keep left or on your side of any dividing line;
• Be careful at junctions, bends or entrances.

BE SAFE BE SEEN!

Particularly during the autumn months it gets darker and more vital that children are seen. It is important to make sure that your child has a coat or bag that has reflective strips to allow them to be seen in the headlights of cars especially if they cycle to school.

Useful websites for Road Safety are below.

Our School Councillors have also worked hard to improve the safety on the roads by discussing the issue with parents, governors and pupils and investing in safety signs to prevent people parking along the yellow lines outside of the school.

Whoever goes to the LORD for safety,

whoever remains under the protection

of the Almighty.

Psalm 91