National Walk Safely to School Day celebrates its 23rd year
Transport for NSW and NSW Police are encouraging primary school-aged children to walk to school in support of the Pedestrian Council of Australia’s 23rd annual Walk Safely to School Day today.
Tara McCarthy, Deputy Secretary of Safety, Environment and Regulation at Transport for NSW said the NSW Government is proud to support the initiative, which has joined forces with National Road Safety Week this year to emphasise the importance of educating children about road safety and the health benefits of walking, not just on 20 May but every day.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Brett McFadden said education is the first step to protecting vulnerable road users from being hurt or killed on the roads.
“Our roads are unpredictable settings that everyone needs to be cautious and vigilant around,” Assistant Commissioner McFadden said.
“Giving our children the awareness skills to be conscious of their surroundings is giving them vital self-protection skills that can prevent them from being seriously injured.
“They also need to have the confidence to know how to navigate traffic and roads which is why this initiative is so important.”
Ms McCarthy said the NSW Government is committed to keeping our children safe.
Find out more about Walk Safely to School Day at www.walk.com.au. Families can all find practical road safety tips and activities for children at www.safetytown.com.au.