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Last modified: 23 Jan 2023 4:18pm

back to school

Everyone needs to plan ahead from the beginning of February, as 11,500 Selwyn students begin travelling back to school again.

That number of learners, which equates to nearly 20 per cent of the district’s population, will be biking, walking and scootering on Selwyn’s roads and footpaths.

Caregivers are encouraged to practise the safest route for their children to walk or ride to school, and educate them about the risks of crossing roads and driveways. Children should be reminded to stay alert and avoid distractions like mobile devices and headphones.

Motorists are urged to slow down when passing on the roads, as children can be unpredictable. Get into the habit of going 30km/hr past schools and 20km/hr past school buses. Be patient and obey the crossing patrol.

Congestion around school zones can be reduced by dropping back and walking the last part of the journey when taking kids to the school gate. Ensure everyone that needs a helmet has one, which includes those using scooters. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head trauma by 74 per cent.

A range of high vis products are available that make children more visible in all weather conditions. Most schools have high vis items available for free or at a small cost.

Road safety resources for parents and children can be organised through your school or Selwyn District Council by emailing roadsafety@selwyn.govt.nz.