Before they are ten years old, children have not developed the skills and knowledge to handle risky situations on the road.

Parents or caregivers can help children by setting clear limits and guidance according to the age, personality and developmental stage of the child.

Pedestrian safety for children

• Set clear limits for places that they can walk safely. Find places away from streets, driveways or parking lots and choose locations such as fenced areas, parks and playgrounds.
• Practice how to cross the street safely in everyday situations such as going to the shops, visiting a friend or going to school. Always set a good example by crossing a street safely and using road crossings where available.
• Teach your child to get in and out of the car on the kerbside avoiding the dangers from passing cars.
• Teach kids not to play at the back of cars and to look before crossing driveways so they can see reversing vehicles.
• Teach them to follow the basic elements of crossing safely using the Stop, Look, Listen and Think approach to crossing the road. This is:
  • Stop one step back from the curb
  • Look and listen for traffic
  • Decide if it is safe to cross the road
  • Keep looking and listening while crossing.

Talk about road rules in simple terms so your child understands why you need to be careful and explain what can happen when rules are broken. For more detailed information see the RACV website walking safely with children section.

The rules that apply to all vehicles on the road must be obeyed when riding a bicycle on the road, as well as there being some additional rules for bike riders.

Talk to your child about these rules in simple terms so they can understand why they’re important. In the early stages of teaching children bike rules, supervise them closely when near parked or moving vehicles - this means being near your child, not at a distance. Set a good example and show your child safe ways to cross streets.

Bicycle safety for children

• Encourage your child to start wearing a helmet at an early stage - with their first tricycles. Ensure it is always fitted and worn properly as it can greatly reduce the risk of head injury.
• The helmet should cover the upper part of the forehead and sit level on the head. A helmet worn too far back or not fitted snugly will not provide good protection. Learn how to fit a helmet correctly.
• Limit riding to parks, playgrounds and school yards until they have experience in other areas. Children under nine years of age should not ride on the road without adult supervision.
• Work out routes to various places that have safe crossings, such as at traffic lights. Avoid places that can hide a child from a driver's view (such as curves or bushes).
• Help them understand how to ride safely on footpaths, especially when there are other people on the path.
• Make sure you know the road rules for bicycle riders so you are riding safely and within the law.

Any wheeled device on the road is regarded the same as pedestrians under the road rules. This includes skateboards, rollerblades, children's scooters, pedal cars or tricycles.

As well as general pedestrian rules, there are additional rules that parents should know and ensure that their child not only knows, but understands.

Most of the suggestions we outline for walking and road safety as well as bicycle road safety also apply to wheeled toys.

Road safety for children on skateboards, scooters and wheeled toys

• Wheeled devices or toys cannot be used:
  • on a road with a speed limit of more than 60 km/h
  • on a road with a dividing line or median strip or
  • on a one-way road with more than one marked lane
• They must keep to the left on footpaths and shared paths and give way to pedestrians.
• Unless a sign prohibits it, a person on roller blades, roller skates or a similar wheeled device can ride on a bicycle path or separated footpath designed for the use of bicycles, but must give way to any cyclist.
• It is an offence (and extremely dangerous) to hold on to a moving vehicle
• Correct fitting helmets must be worn.

Make sure your children know the road rules when they are using a skateboard or scooter or similar device with wheels. This means they are in the best position to prevent any injury to themselves or to others.

Buses

School buses are a safe and convenient way for children to go to and from school. However, most pedestrian accidents involving buses happen either before the bus arrives or after it has driven away. It is crucial children know how to act safely before and after they get on a bus.

Bus safety tips

Both parents and children need to be aware of road safety around school buses and public buses. We have some tips below to help parents and children stay safe.

For Children

• Stand well back at the bus stop until the bus has completely stopped.
• Wait until the bus has moved off before crossing the road. This gives other drivers on the road the chance to see any pedestrians more clearly. It also allows pedestrians to have a clear view of traffic.
• Choose a safe place to cross the road, not in front of the bus or between parked cars.

For Parents

• Wait for children on the same side of the road as the bus stop. Parking opposite the bus stop can lead to an accident as children may be tempted to run across the road to meet you.
• If you have to park opposite the bus stop, cross the road and wait on the same side as the bus stop.
• Do not park in the bus parking bay. This area should be left free for the bus to get in and out.
• Make sure you familiarise yourself with all the necessary laws so you can tell your children the right information, particularly as it applies to buses and children safely crossing roads.

Train and tram safety

Many kids use trains and trams every day as a way to get to and from school.

• Teach them to only cross at marked train crossings and to never run across once barriers are down.
• Teach your kids to wait safely at platforms, far away from the edge.
• Make sure they understand the risks of trying to force the doors of a train or tram once it has begun moving.

To be eligible as a supervising driver you need to comply with all of the supervising driver requirements outlined on the VicRoads website. This includes having a current Victorian full (not probationary) driver licence and not drinking any alcohol while supervising. You also need to complete your details in the 'List for Supervising Drivers' and 'Declaration of Completion' in the Learner Log Book.

If you feel you are not the right person to supervise, choose someone who is a fully licensed driver that complies with the guidelines and can also provide support and encouragement.

The TAC L2P Program assists learners between 16 and 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence. Find out more on the VicRoads website

• Learner driver trips can be made a part of everyday activity. Trips to school and sport are ideal regular practice. Even a five-minute drive to the shops will involve parking and operating in busy areas.
• Having to deal with other drivers in difficult situations, such as frustrations when finding a parking spot, can teach both driving and life skills.
• At times when you are driving, point out to your learner the hazards that lie ahead and what you do to avoid risky situations.
• Practice in all driving conditions, including at night, at dawn and dusk and in all weather conditions. Find out more
• Try to get driving experience in different locations, including in city areas and on regional roads.

Make sure you allow time to supervise your learner driver. You don't need to be an expert driving instructor, simply make yourself available so you can provide guidance to increase your learner driver's confidence and experience.

Your learner's safety is going to come down to the time you can make available.

The key to reducing P plater crashes is to increase driving experience before they become an independent driver. That is why your time can make a real difference.

• First read the VicRoads Learner Kit which will give you an outline of what you need to know and your obligations when supervising a learner driver.
• Brush up on your road laws by reading Driving in Victoria: rules and responsibilities.
• Consider giving your child professional driving tuition. Contact VicRoads for details or call 13 11 71.
• Talk to friends about their experience with learner drivers for some ideas on the best approach for you.

• Once you have explained the basics of the car start your learner driver in a quiet area or empty car park so they can get a feel for the car and its basic controls. Practice taking off smoothly, stopping, changing gears (if they are learning in a manual car) and braking.
• Be patient and offer constructive advice – this helps you both feel confident and positive.
• Move on to driving in low traffic and good weather so handling the car feels more natural and the learner's confidence improves.
• When you are both ready, build up to longer trips in a variety of traffic conditions.
• Make practice sessions part of the normal routine – school, shopping, or visiting friends.

• Keep a safe distance behind the car in front. Research shows that rear-end crashes are common for younger drivers. Leave enough room between your car and the vehicle in front so there is time to deal with any unexpected events. This distance is at least two seconds between you and the vehicle in front – allow more in poor driving conditions.
• Talk to your learner driver about driving safely around vulnerable road users including, people riding bicycles and those on motorcycles.
• Travel through complex intersections.
• Choose the right speed for the conditions.
• Merging onto freeways and changing lanes.

• Be positive.
• Don't practice if you are tired or feeling stressed.
• If you do get frustrated, stop the car safely and calm down before recommencing the lesson.
• Remember that we all make mistakes.
• Plan ahead. Plan driving routes that match the learner's ability. Don't try too much too soon.
• Talk to a professional driving instructor about the progress of the learner to assess what the next steps should be.
• Sit in on a lesson with a professional driving instructor to get a feel for the skill level of your learner, and how the driver trainer manages different driving situations.

What can you do?

Learning to a drive a car is a continuous journey. Even though a newly licensed driver has the skills to drive a car, they will be driving on their own for the first time without someone to guide them in their decision making.

Their decision making will develop over their four years as a P plate driver. They will still be learning to make decisions about what speed to drive in certain conditions or how to deal with distracting passengers. Making correct and safe judgments takes time, maturity and experience.

Even though your child is over 18 years old, you’re still an important influence on them.

There are ways that parents can help to reduce the risk of crashes:

• Be aware of the restrictions probationary drivers need to follow and encourage your new driver to follow them.
• Help your child to choose and buy a safe car. P Plate drivers often have older vehicles that aren’t fitted with important safety features. A safer car can stop a crash from happening or reduce injury in a crash. Find safe cars for any budget on the How Safe is Your Car website.
• Negotiate some ground rules before they get their probationary licence. For instance, your new driver can drive the family car, but only if they turn their mobile phone off or use their phone’s Do Not Disturb function.
• Discuss your expectations, such as not speeding, driving with passengers or driving late at night, especially if they are driving the family car or you have paid for or helped to pay for their car.
• Continue to be available to provide supervision, particularly for night time driving and driving with passengers.
• Help your child develop some strategies in case they ever feel pressured by friends to do the wrong thing. The fines and penalties are a good motivator for doing the right thing. If a P1 probationary driver is caught with more than one peer passenger they will receive 3 demerit points and a $496 fine. Find out more about penalties on the VicRoads website.

The most dangerous time to drive after a person has received their licence is during their first 3-6 months. The risks are even higher when driving at night. When driving from 10pm to 6am, a young first year driver is seven times more likely than a fully licensed driver to be in a fatal or serious injury crash.

Why is driving at night more of a risk?

• Visibility is reduced at night and so is the time we have to recognise and respond to potential hazards.
• Most social functions happen at night, so there is a greater chance of fatigue. Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving drunk.
• Young drivers tend to do more recreational driving without a destination in mind. Most of this driving happens at night, and with other passengers, which also increases the chances of being distracted.
• It is important to remember that they are on the road with others who are tired or have been drinking.

No matter what your age is, we all make mistakes. It’s important to discuss the risks when driving, and if your child is receiving traffic fines or demerit points it can be a red flag. Illegal behaviour while driving puts their life and others at risk.

Fines and infringements are costly and work to deter people from breaking the rules. If your young driver does commit an offence make sure they pay for the fine – not you. It is important your young driver experiences the consequences for their risky behaviour to deter them from engaging in that and other behaviours in the future.

Probationary drivers also only have 5 demerit points per year, this means even offences they might consider minor will get them close to losing their licence. If a P1 driver uses their mobile phone while driving they will receive a $496 fine and 4 demerit points.

If they lose their licence it might be inconvenient for them and for you, but serving out the suspension will mean they feel the consequences of their actions. In most cases receiving a penalty will mean they will be less likely to offend again in the future and will be safer as a result.

We often get questions about the benefits of extra driver training and defensive driving courses. When we look into crashes, we find that fatigue, drink and drug driving and speed are the leading contributing factors.

Providing too much emphasis on advanced car control driving skills does not create better safety outcomes for drivers. Drivers can be more likely to take risks due to the perception that they are more skilled. Developing basic car control skills can be achieved in real traffic environments under the supervision of an experienced driver or instructor while on a Learner’s licence.

Being a good role model is very important. What parents do shows their child how they want him or her to behave. How you drive will influence your child in the same way as what you eat or how much exercise you do. So, try to practice what you preach – obey the road laws and drive safely.

Take responsibility if you have committed traffic offences in the past. Admit your own mistakes and talk to your young driver about the negative consequences and how you can avoid future offences.

Before they are ten years old, children have not developed the skills and knowledge to handle risky situations on the road.

Parents or caregivers can help children by setting clear limits and guidance according to the age, personality and developmental stage of the child.

Pedestrian safety for children

• Set clear limits for places that they can walk safely. Find places away from streets, driveways or parking lots and choose locations such as fenced areas, parks and playgrounds.
• Practice how to cross the street safely in everyday situations such as going to the shops, visiting a friend or going to school. Always set a good example by crossing a street safely and using road crossings where available.
• Teach your child to get in and out of the car on the kerbside avoiding the dangers from passing cars.
• Teach kids not to play at the back of cars and to look before crossing driveways so they can see reversing vehicles.
• Teach them to follow the basic elements of crossing safely using the Stop, Look, Listen and Think approach to crossing the road. This is:
  • Stop one step back from the curb
  • Look and listen for traffic
  • Decide if it is safe to cross the road
  • Keep looking and listening while crossing.

Talk about road rules in simple terms so your child understands why you need to be careful and explain what can happen when rules are broken. For more detailed information see the RACV website walking safely with children section.

The rules that apply to all vehicles on the road must be obeyed when riding a bicycle on the road, as well as there being some additional rules for bike riders.

Talk to your child about these rules in simple terms so they can understand why they’re important. In the early stages of teaching children bike rules, supervise them closely when near parked or moving vehicles - this means being near your child, not at a distance. Set a good example and show your child safe ways to cross streets.

Bicycle safety for children

• Encourage your child to start wearing a helmet at an early stage - with their first tricycles. Ensure it is always fitted and worn properly as it can greatly reduce the risk of head injury.
• The helmet should cover the upper part of the forehead and sit level on the head. A helmet worn too far back or not fitted snugly will not provide good protection. Learn how to fit a helmet correctly.
• Limit riding to parks, playgrounds and school yards until they have experience in other areas. Children under nine years of age should not ride on the road without adult supervision.
• Work out routes to various places that have safe crossings, such as at traffic lights. Avoid places that can hide a child from a driver's view (such as curves or bushes).
• Help them understand how to ride safely on footpaths, especially when there are other people on the path.
• Make sure you know the road rules for bicycle riders so you are riding safely and within the law.

Any wheeled device on the road is regarded the same as pedestrians under the road rules. This includes skateboards, rollerblades, children's scooters, pedal cars or tricycles.

As well as general pedestrian rules, there are additional rules that parents should know and ensure that their child not only knows, but understands.

Most of the suggestions we outline for walking and road safety as well as bicycle road safety also apply to wheeled toys.

Road safety for children on skateboards, scooters and wheeled toys

• Wheeled devices or toys cannot be used:
  • on a road with a speed limit of more than 60 km/h
  • on a road with a dividing line or median strip or
  • on a one-way road with more than one marked lane
• They must keep to the left on footpaths and shared paths and give way to pedestrians.
• Unless a sign prohibits it, a person on roller blades, roller skates or a similar wheeled device can ride on a bicycle path or separated footpath designed for the use of bicycles, but must give way to any cyclist.
• It is an offence (and extremely dangerous) to hold on to a moving vehicle
• Correct fitting helmets must be worn.

Make sure your children know the road rules when they are using a skateboard or scooter or similar device with wheels. This means they are in the best position to prevent any injury to themselves or to others.

Buses

School buses are a safe and convenient way for children to go to and from school. However, most pedestrian accidents involving buses happen either before the bus arrives or after it has driven away. It is crucial children know how to act safely before and after they get on a bus.

Bus safety tips

Both parents and children need to be aware of road safety around school buses and public buses. We have some tips below to help parents and children stay safe.

For Children

• Stand well back at the bus stop until the bus has completely stopped.
• Wait until the bus has moved off before crossing the road. This gives other drivers on the road the chance to see any pedestrians more clearly. It also allows pedestrians to have a clear view of traffic.
• Choose a safe place to cross the road, not in front of the bus or between parked cars.

For Parents

• Wait for children on the same side of the road as the bus stop. Parking opposite the bus stop can lead to an accident as children may be tempted to run across the road to meet you.
• If you have to park opposite the bus stop, cross the road and wait on the same side as the bus stop.
• Do not park in the bus parking bay. This area should be left free for the bus to get in and out.
• Make sure you familiarise yourself with all the necessary laws so you can tell your children the right information, particularly as it applies to buses and children safely crossing roads.

Train and tram safety

Many kids use trains and trams every day as a way to get to and from school.

• Teach them to only cross at marked train crossings and to never run across once barriers are down.
• Teach your kids to wait safely at platforms, far away from the edge.
• Make sure they understand the risks of trying to force the doors of a train or tram once it has begun moving.

To be eligible as a supervising driver you need to comply with all of the supervising driver requirements outlined on the VicRoads website. This includes having a current Victorian full (not probationary) driver licence and not drinking any alcohol while supervising. You also need to complete your details in the 'List for Supervising Drivers' and 'Declaration of Completion' in the Learner Log Book.

If you feel you are not the right person to supervise, choose someone who is a fully licensed driver that complies with the guidelines and can also provide support and encouragement.

The TAC L2P Program assists learners between 16 and 21 years of age, who do not have access to a supervising driver or vehicle, to gain the driving experience required to apply for a probationary licence. Find out more on the VicRoads website

• Learner driver trips can be made a part of everyday activity. Trips to school and sport are ideal regular practice. Even a five-minute drive to the shops will involve parking and operating in busy areas.
• Having to deal with other drivers in difficult situations, such as frustrations when finding a parking spot, can teach both driving and life skills.
• At times when you are driving, point out to your learner the hazards that lie ahead and what you do to avoid risky situations.
• Practice in all driving conditions, including at night, at dawn and dusk and in all weather conditions. Find out more
• Try to get driving experience in different locations, including in city areas and on regional roads.

Make sure you allow time to supervise your learner driver. You don't need to be an expert driving instructor, simply make yourself available so you can provide guidance to increase your learner driver's confidence and experience.

Your learner's safety is going to come down to the time you can make available.

The key to reducing P plater crashes is to increase driving experience before they become an independent driver. That is why your time can make a real difference.

• First read the VicRoads Learner Kit which will give you an outline of what you need to know and your obligations when supervising a learner driver.
• Brush up on your road laws by reading Driving in Victoria: rules and responsibilities.
• Consider giving your child professional driving tuition. Contact VicRoads for details or call 13 11 71.
• Talk to friends about their experience with learner drivers for some ideas on the best approach for you.

• Once you have explained the basics of the car start your learner driver in a quiet area or empty car park so they can get a feel for the car and its basic controls. Practice taking off smoothly, stopping, changing gears (if they are learning in a manual car) and braking.
• Be patient and offer constructive advice – this helps you both feel confident and positive.
• Move on to driving in low traffic and good weather so handling the car feels more natural and the learner's confidence improves.
• When you are both ready, build up to longer trips in a variety of traffic conditions.
• Make practice sessions part of the normal routine – school, shopping, or visiting friends.

• Keep a safe distance behind the car in front. Research shows that rear-end crashes are common for younger drivers. Leave enough room between your car and the vehicle in front so there is time to deal with any unexpected events. This distance is at least two seconds between you and the vehicle in front – allow more in poor driving conditions.
• Talk to your learner driver about driving safely around vulnerable road users including, people riding bicycles and those on motorcycles.
• Travel through complex intersections.
• Choose the right speed for the conditions.
• Merging onto freeways and changing lanes.

• Be positive.
• Don't practice if you are tired or feeling stressed.
• If you do get frustrated, stop the car safely and calm down before recommencing the lesson.
• Remember that we all make mistakes.
• Plan ahead. Plan driving routes that match the learner's ability. Don't try too much too soon.
• Talk to a professional driving instructor about the progress of the learner to assess what the next steps should be.
• Sit in on a lesson with a professional driving instructor to get a feel for the skill level of your learner, and how the driver trainer manages different driving situations.

What can you do?

Learning to a drive a car is a continuous journey. Even though a newly licensed driver has the skills to drive a car, they will be driving on their own for the first time without someone to guide them in their decision making.

Their decision making will develop over their four years as a P plate driver. They will still be learning to make decisions about what speed to drive in certain conditions or how to deal with distracting passengers. Making correct and safe judgments takes time, maturity and experience.

Even though your child is over 18 years old, you’re still an important influence on them.

There are ways that parents can help to reduce the risk of crashes:

• Be aware of the restrictions probationary drivers need to follow and encourage your new driver to follow them.
• Help your child to choose and buy a safe car. P Plate drivers often have older vehicles that aren’t fitted with important safety features. A safer car can stop a crash from happening or reduce injury in a crash. Find safe cars for any budget on the How Safe is Your Car website.
• Negotiate some ground rules before they get their probationary licence. For instance, your new driver can drive the family car, but only if they turn their mobile phone off or use their phone’s Do Not Disturb function.
• Discuss your expectations, such as not speeding, driving with passengers or driving late at night, especially if they are driving the family car or you have paid for or helped to pay for their car.
• Continue to be available to provide supervision, particularly for night time driving and driving with passengers.
• Help your child develop some strategies in case they ever feel pressured by friends to do the wrong thing. The fines and penalties are a good motivator for doing the right thing. If a P1 probationary driver is caught with more than one peer passenger they will receive 3 demerit points and a $496 fine. Find out more about penalties on the VicRoads website.

The most dangerous time to drive after a person has received their licence is during their first 3-6 months. The risks are even higher when driving at night. When driving from 10pm to 6am, a young first year driver is seven times more likely than a fully licensed driver to be in a fatal or serious injury crash.

Why is driving at night more of a risk?

• Visibility is reduced at night and so is the time we have to recognise and respond to potential hazards.
• Most social functions happen at night, so there is a greater chance of fatigue. Driving tired can be as dangerous as driving drunk.
• Young drivers tend to do more recreational driving without a destination in mind. Most of this driving happens at night, and with other passengers, which also increases the chances of being distracted.
• It is important to remember that they are on the road with others who are tired or have been drinking.

No matter what your age is, we all make mistakes. It’s important to discuss the risks when driving, and if your child is receiving traffic fines or demerit points it can be a red flag. Illegal behaviour while driving puts their life and others at risk.

Fines and infringements are costly and work to deter people from breaking the rules. If your young driver does commit an offence make sure they pay for the fine – not you. It is important your young driver experiences the consequences for their risky behaviour to deter them from engaging in that and other behaviours in the future.

Probationary drivers also only have 5 demerit points per year, this means even offences they might consider minor will get them close to losing their licence. If a P1 driver uses their mobile phone while driving they will receive a $496 fine and 4 demerit points.

If they lose their licence it might be inconvenient for them and for you, but serving out the suspension will mean they feel the consequences of their actions. In most cases receiving a penalty will mean they will be less likely to offend again in the future and will be safer as a result.

We often get questions about the benefits of extra driver training and defensive driving courses. When we look into crashes, we find that fatigue, drink and drug driving and speed are the leading contributing factors.

Providing too much emphasis on advanced car control driving skills does not create better safety outcomes for drivers. Drivers can be more likely to take risks due to the perception that they are more skilled. Developing basic car control skills can be achieved in real traffic environments under the supervision of an experienced driver or instructor while on a Learner’s licence.

Being a good role model is very important. What parents do shows their child how they want him or her to behave. How you drive will influence your child in the same way as what you eat or how much exercise you do. So, try to practice what you preach – obey the road laws and drive safely.

Take responsibility if you have committed traffic offences in the past. Admit your own mistakes and talk to your young driver about the negative consequences and how you can avoid future offences.