WITH school holidays now in full swing, the Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA) is committed to making beaches and roadways in the region a safe place for children this summer.
Partnering with the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, all seven member councils in the region will install “Slow Down Kids Around” and “Hold My Hand” signs at popular locations around the Limestone Coast.
The bright eye-catching messages will be seen around playgrounds, swimming pools, shopping centres, parks, beaches and community hubs throughout the South East.
LCLGA road safety officer Rob Forgan said it was important to drive home the messages to parents and their children.
“Experts have told us that because children are small and their brains and peripheral vision are not fully developed, they cannot make safe choices around traffic,” Mr Forgan said.
“We must hold their hands right up until age 10 and supervise them closely until they are 12.”
Little Blue Dinosaur founder and chief executive Michelle McLaughlin and her husband David formed their foundation as a legacy to their son Tom, who died when he was hit by a car on a family holiday aged just four.
“We lost Tom in the blink of an eye,” Michelle said.
“We do not want this to happen to anyone else, but since we lost Tom, 70 more children have died when they were hit by cars and thousands of others have been hospitalised.”
Michelle said she was delighted the Limestone Coast councils had come on board to spread the key messages.
“Busy holiday places such as these in the beautiful Limestone Coast are exactly the kinds of places our message is most needed,” Michelle said.
“Children on holiday are very excited and road safety is more often far from their minds.”
Young Mount Gambier mother Rene Veno praised the campaign, while highlighting her own fears about the danger roads present to her own daughter.
“These messages are so important because children can be in danger in the blink of an eye – my daughter is 15 months old and she has been running since she could walk,” Ms Veno said.
“It’s important for parents to be vigilant, people are out and about enjoying the great weather and it only takes a split second where you take your eyes off the road where an accident could occur.”
Grandmother Wendy Furlong encouraged other grandparents to assist their loved ones and other parents within the community who are looking after children near roads.
“As a grandmother, I think it is great to be able to assist parents and just to lend a helping hand if you see a mother having a little bit of difficulty, you could make all the difference,” Ms Furlong said.
“If road users can just take that little bit of extra time getting somewhere, slowing down and being aware of your environment can save yourself and a family a terrible heartache.”
