Top 7 Safety Tips for the School Run

Whether it’s your child’s first day at school or part of your daily routine, these simple road safety tips can help make every journey safer, calmer and less stressful.

1. Use the Correct Child Car Seat

One of the most important steps in protecting children while travelling is making sure they are using the correct child car seat for their age, height and weight.

Children must use an appropriate child restraint until they meet the legal requirements for adult seatbelt use.

Make sure:

• The seat is suitable for your child’s height and weight.
• It is installed correctly.
• Harnesses are adjusted properly.
• The seat is securely fitted before every journey.

For more information, see:

https://www.crashservices.com/have-you-the-right-child-car-seats-in-your-car/

2. Leave Plenty of Time

School mornings can be hectic, but rushing often leads to mistakes.

Allowing an extra 10 to 15 minutes can help:

• Reduce stress
• Avoid speeding
• Improve concentration
• Make parking easier
• Create a safer environment around schools

A calmer journey is usually a safer journey.

3. Park Safely and Considerately

Finding a convenient parking space should never come at the expense of safety.

Avoid parking:

• On yellow zig-zag markings
• Near pedestrian crossings
• At junctions or corners
• Across driveways
• In locations that force children to cross between vehicles

Parking slightly further away and walking the remaining distance can often be the safest option.

4. Respect School Crossing Patrols

School crossing patrols, often known as “lollipop people”, play a vital role in protecting children during busy arrival and departure times.

Always:

• Follow their instructions
• Stop when directed
• Be patient in school zones
• Remain alert around crossing points

These dedicated road safety professionals help thousands of children cross roads safely every day.

5. Eliminate Distractions

Children can behave unpredictably near roads, especially around busy school entrances.

To stay focused:

• Put your mobile phone away
• Avoid distractions inside the vehicle
• Lower music volume if necessary
• Pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists

Watch carefully for:

• Children crossing unexpectedly
• Cyclists approaching from either direction
• School staff directing traffic
• Parents walking with younger children

6. Teach Children Essential Road Safety Skills

Road safety education starts at home.

Regularly remind children to:

• Stop, look, listen and think before crossing
• Use designated crossing points
• Stay alert near roads
• Avoid mobile phones and headphones while crossing
• Never run into the road

Developing these habits early can help keep children safer throughout their lives.

7. Slow Down in School Zones

School areas require extra caution.

Even where lower speed limits are not in place, drivers should reduce speed and remain prepared to stop at any moment.

Remember:

• Children can be difficult to see.
• They may emerge suddenly from behind parked vehicles.
• Their behaviour can be unpredictable.

Speed limits are maximum limits, not targets. Adjust your speed according to the conditions and the environment around you.

Let’s Keep Every School Journey Safe

The school run may be part of your daily routine, but road safety should never become routine or overlooked.

By slowing down, parking responsibly, avoiding distractions and teaching children good road safety habits, we can all help create safer roads around schools.

Every small action makes a difference.

Together, we can help keep Northern Ireland’s children safe and make every school run a safer one.