PRIMARY school students from across the South East were put in the driver’s seat this week when the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia’s (RAA) Street Smart Primary program rolled into classrooms.
Visiting Kongorong, Suttontown and Yahl primary schools, along with Gordon Education Centre, the program used interactive activities to educate youngsters about pedestrian, passenger and cycling safety from Reception to Year 7.
RAA community engagement senior manager Ben Haythorpe said the school program was part of the company’s long-term commitment to road safety.
“Young children can be vulnerable on our roads, unless we equip them with the road skills and knowledge they need to stay safe around traffic,” he said.
Students take part in a 45-minute road safety lesson tailored to their year level and delivered by an RAA representative.
“Early years students in Reception to Year 2 practice crossing the road safely, while students in middle years investigate ways to keep themselves safe as a pedestrian and when using wheeled devices,” Mr Haythorpe.
“The focus for Year 6 and 7 students is learning to make safe choices on and around roads as well as using a STEM approach to improving school crossings.”
Mr Haythorpe said it was vital to “drive home” the road safety message in the South East, with statistics showing most fatal crashes occur on rural roads.
“We offer advice and additional resources to teachers so they can provide follow-up lessons.
“We also provide information for parents and caregivers so they can continue to support their child’s road safety learning journey at home.”
