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Top 7 Safety Tips for the School Run

By 15th August 2025 News, Road Safety
School Run Safety Tips

Make every journey a safe one with these simple road safety tips.

Whether it’s the first day of P1 or just another Monday morning, the school run can be hectic. Between forgotten lunches, missing shoes and traffic jams, it’s easy to forget the basics- like road safety.

At Road Safe NI, we believe every school journey should be safe, calm and stress-free. Here are 7 essential tips to help parents, carers and drivers keep our roads safer for children during the school run.

  1. Choose the Right Car Seat – And Fit It Properly

If your child is under 12 or under 135cm in height, they must use a child car seat that’s appropriate for their size and weight.

For more on this see- https://www.crashservices.com/have-you-the-right-child-car-seats-in-your-car/

  1. Give Yourself Extra Time

Running late leads to rushing and rushing leads to mistakes. Leaving just 10–15 minutes earlier can reduce stress, allow time for safe parking and keep you calm behind the wheel.

  1. Park Smart – Not Just Close

Avoid stopping:

  • On yellow zigzag lines
  • Near corners, crossings or junctions
  • Where you block driveways or force children to cross between cars

Park a little further and walk, it’s safer and gives everyone a few minutes of fresh air.

  1. Always Obey the Lollipop Person

The school crossing patrol (or “lollipop person”) plays a crucial role in keeping children safe. Follow their instructions, stop when asked and thank them, they stand in all weathers to protect your kids.

  1. Ditch the Distractions

Stay off your phone, turn down the radio and keep your eyes on:

  • Pedestrians
  • Cyclists
  • Children who may step out without looking

Remember, kids can be unpredictable. Stay alert.

  1. Teach Your Child the Basics

Whether walking with you or independently:

  • Always stop, look, listen and think
  • Use pedestrian crossings
  • Stay off phones and headphones when crossing

Reinforce these habits at home, they’ll last a lifetime.

  1. Respect the School Zone

Slow down to 20mph or less in school zones, even if there’s no official signage. Children are harder to see and may dart into the road unexpectedly. Speed limits are a maximum, not a target.

The school run may be routine, but road safety should never be taken for granted. By following these simple tips, you’re helping to protect not just your own children, but every child in your community.

Together, we can make Northern Ireland’s roads safer- one school run at a time.

 


How CRASH Services Can Help You After A Car Crash or Accident

At CRASH Services, we specialise in helping drivers in BelfastNewryDerry~Londonderry and across Northern Ireland get back on the road quickly.

After an accident, our expert team will take care of:

And we do it all, at no cost to the not-at-fault driver.

Our service is free as we recover the costs from the third-party insurers.


Why Choose CRASH Services?

  •  Established in 1996
  •  Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands Local Northern Ireland Motorists
  •  No Cost to You, Costs Recovered from Insurers
  •  Complete Accident Management from Recovery to Repairs 
  •  99% Customer Recommendation Rate

Our Mission is Simple:

“To act with care for those involved in road traffic accidents.”

Need Help After an Accident in BelfastNewryDerry~Londonderry or anywhere across Northern Ireland?

Call us today on 028 9066 0244 or Request a Callback Today

CRASH Services, take care of everything, at no cost to you!

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