To travel safely we need to know how to use our roads and what dangers to avoid.
Walking
Walking is a great way to get to nearby locations and stay fit. When walking alone or with others you need to know how to cross roads safely and avoid vehicles leaving or entering driveways.
Always:
- Walk on the footpath, close to the houses and away from the road
- Look and listen for traffic at driveways (some driveways are difficult to see). Look for a driver and make eye-contact so they know you are there. Wait for them to give way.
- Use pedestrian crossings or cross at traffic signals, wherever possible.
- Take care in car parks, school drop-off/pick-up points or busy shopping areas with lots of traffic.
- Walk facing oncoming traffic on roads where there are no footpaths.
- Share the footpath with others, including skaters, scooters, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
- Use the kerb drill
On rural roads
- walk facing oncoming traffic
- keep as far off the road as possible
- walk in single file, shortest person at the front, so everyone can see oncoming traffic
- if there’s a narrow bridge, stop in a safe place and listen carefully and scan the distance to make sure there are no vehicles coming before going onto the bridge and walking quickly across, facing oncoming vehicles
- keep looking and listening for any vehicles that come from behind or in front.
Cycling
When cycling you should know how to ride safely and be confident in traffic before attempting to ride to school. You need to know the road rules and read the road code.
Remember to:
- keep left
- check over your shoulder for traffic
- use the correct lane
- pass other road users safely
- use hand signals
- be safe and courteous when cycling in groups
- share the road and paths
- expect hazards and ride to avoid them.
In a car 
Passengers have a role to play in keeping everyone safe. It is important not to distract the driver and be courteous.
Remember to:
- wait until the car has stopped before getting in
- always wear your seat belt
- get out of the car on the footpath side only
- don’t distract the driver
- keep your hands and legs inside the car
- check with the driver before opening the windows for any reason
- look out for pedestrians and cyclists when opening the door
- let the driver know if you see anything that could become a danger such as another car pulling out in front.
Ready for a quiz? Try the interactive Being Road Smart activity .
