For primary students - quick facts about road safety plus online challenges and activities.
- Every year about 70% of all injuries or deaths involving children between 5 and 14 years are related to using the road – mostly as a passenger, pedestrian or cyclist.
- The correct road crossing procedure is STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK:
- STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath.
- LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
- LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.
- THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped.
- When crossing walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.
- If you are under 12 years of age you can legally ride on footpaths in Victoria. Any adults riding with you can also ride on the footpath. The footpath or a bicycle path is generally much safer than riding on the road, but watch out for cars coming out of driveways and where footpaths and bicycle paths intersect with roads.
Use Bicycle Maps to find what bicycle facilities are in your area. Plan a bicycle ride with your family mostly using off-road paths to get to your destination.
If you are under 12 years of age you will be able to also ride on footpaths along the way. Check out the road rules for cyclists.
Use Metlink to plan a trip to the city using public transport – buses, trains and trams - for your family or friends (ask an adult to go with you). It could be for a sporting event, a movie or just some shopping. Find all the information you’ll need including timetables, details of fares and a useful train trip planner.
Use Road Traffic Information to find out if there is any traffic congestion on any of Melbourne’s freeways.
- If you find the traffic is congested somewhere, use the Tow Truck Allocation Information and the Traffic Alerts to see if it is connected with a road crash.
- If there are delays on any of the freeways, check the travel times on each freeway.