Our motoring editor answers your questions on back-to-school travel and how to keep children safe To avoid the frantic morning rush, get everything ready the night before. Photo: Getty To avoid the frantic morning rush, get everything ready the night before — school bags, lunches, uniforms — and leave extra time to get to school. Once you arrive, avoid double parking; it’s unsafe, blocks visibility for other children and vehicles, and is unfair to other road users.
A little patience goes a long way in ensuring everyone’s safety. With more cycle lanes popping up, you’ll likely see more children cycling to school this year. Drivers should be extra cautious, as many young cyclists may still be learning the ropes.
Pay special attention near driveways and parked cars, as bikes can suddenly appear. Always check your mirrors before opening your car door, and use the “Dutch reach” technique — open the door with your hand furthest from it (left hand for drivers). This forces you to turn your body, making it easier to see oncoming cyclists and prevent potential collisions.
Remember, children don’t assess risks and speeds as adults do. Children can be unpredictable and excited about returning to school and seeing friends so they are likely to dart out from between parked cars or off the footpath. Proceed slowly and carefully, especially near primary schools.
Young children often have difficulty judging whether a car is moving. They may also mistakenly believe cars can stop instantly, so it’s up to drivers to be vigilant. Parents should plan a safe route with their children.
This might differ from the usual car route to school, prioritising quieter and safer paths. Teach your kids about road safety, including using traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. It’s a good idea to practise walking or cycling the route together before the first day so they feel more confident and know exactly to expect.
Top Tip Make sure your child is in the right car seat and that it’s correctly fitted. According to the RSA, as many as four in five child car seats are incorrectly installed, which can result in serious injury or even fatalities in the event of a collision. Contact Geraldine: email sundaymotors@independent.
ie Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Stay up to date with all the latest news.
.jpg)
