MidCoast Council continues to partner with the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation to remind the community about the importance of road safety education for children.
The Hold My Hand initiative focuses on teaching children safe behaviours around roads, driveways, and carparks, while also reminding adults of their crucial role in modelling and engaging in safe pedestrian and driver behaviours.
The Foundation aims to reduce the risk of serious injuries and fatalities involving young children near roads and vehicles. One method has been the installation of 'Hold my Hand' and 'Slow Down Kids Around' signage in areas with high numbers of child pedestrians, such as parks and shops.
MidCoast Council's Road Safety Officer, Chris Dimarco said that keeping our children safe around roads is a shared responsibility which includes parents and all drivers.
"You'll see Hold My Hand and Slow Down Kids Around signs throughout the MidCoast," said Mr Dimarco.
"Those signs are there to help remind parents and carers of the importance of holding their child's hand. Even if your child is near you, things can go wrong very quickly. A child or a vehicle can suddenly move quickly and unpredictably.
"The signs also remind all drivers that we are responsible for driving to the conditions, which includes slowing down around children."
This messaging is especially important during the school holidays when more children will be out and about. Those visiting the area who are unfamiliar with streets and public spaces may be especially vulnerable.
Whether it's a road, car park, driveway, or any other place where vehicles may be, children need their parent or carer's help to navigate these spaces safely.
These environments can be complex for children. They may not yet have the skills to judge speed, distance, or danger.
MidCoast Council encourages parents, carers, and drivers to learn more about road safety and reinforce road safety messages at home and in the community.
