Road safety rules

Navigating road safety can be a challenge, especially for children and young people with disability who may need extra support to manage behaviours in the community or understand and follow safety rules. Here are some practical tips to help keep everyone safe while empowering your child or young person to build their understanding of road safety in a way that suits their needs.

UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS

Children are naturally curious, which makes it essential to set clear boundaries about where they can and cannot go – both at home and in public. For children with disability, who may process information differently or have limited awareness of danger, this becomes even more critical. Many accidents occur close to home, such as in driveways or quiet streets, so vigilance in these familiar spaces is vital.

CLEAR AND CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION

When teaching road safety, it’s important to keep messages simple, clear, and consistent. Visual aids like charts, social stories, apps, or video tutorials can be incredibly effective. Repetition is key and practice makes perfect!

Remember, children often mimic the behaviours they see. Be a role model by demonstrating good road safety habits yourself.

Here are some specific tips to support safety at home, in the car, and when out walking or wheeling.

At home

• Never leave car keys where children can access them.
• Before reversing out of your driveway, walk around your car to check for children or obstacles – especially if your child uses mobility aids that may be less visible.
• Create a separate outdoor play area away from the driveway. Establish a clear rule that the driveway is not for playing.

In the car

Car safety is especially critical for children and young adults with disabilities, who may require additional support to stay secure during travel.

Appropriate restraints: Ensure your child uses an age – and ability – appropriate car seat, booster seat, or special-purpose harness. These devices can provide the necessary support for children with low muscle tone, mobility challenges, or behavioural needs.

Consult a qualified occupational therapist or equipment supplier for advice on selecting and fitting specialised equipment.

Be mindful of restrictive practices when using any equipment, ensuring it’s only used for safety and with the child’s comfort, dignity, and consent in mind wherever possible. Always check relevant laws and guidelines to ensure compliance. Mobility and Accessibility for Children and Adults Ltd. (MACA) macahub.org is a great resource for checking the most up to date guidance on restrictive practices and their usage within motor vehicles.

Positioning: Encourage entering and exiting the car on the kerbside to avoid stepping into traffic.

Unloading safely: If you’re unloading items, wait to take your child out until you can give them your full attention. Similarly, if your child uses a wheelchair, ensure it is secure and the brakes are engaged before you step away.

Communication: Explain the importance of seatbelts and other restraints in a way your child can understand. Visual aids or stories can help reinforce why “clicking in” keeps everyone safe.

Routine: Establish a predictable car routine to reduce anxiety and support understanding. For example, your child might respond well to a checklist or a countdown system when getting into the car.

WALKING OR WHEELING ALONG THE ROAD

Road rules: Start with simple, age or developmental-level appropriate rules like holding hands, using crossings, and waiting for an adult. Adjust these as your child gains confidence and independence.

The basics: Rehearse the STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, and THINK protocol regularly. Turn it into a fun, repeatable routine to help it become second nature.

Driveways: Teach children to treat every driveway as a road, stopping to check for cars before crossing.

Mobility equipment: If your child uses a scooter, bike, wheelchair, or other mobility aid, ensure it’s fitted with working brakes, and teach them how to stop quickly if needed. There are numerous adaptations that can be utilised on different pieces of equipment so work with your child’s OT and equipment provider to find a solution that maximises their safety.

Visibility: For children who walk or wheel independently, brightly coloured or reflective clothing can help them stay visible, especially in low-light conditions.

Distraction: If your child is easily distracted crossing the road or has a tendency to run when you are out walking, distraction techniques can help redirect attention away from unsafe behaviours and towards safer alternatives. For example, you can engage your child in simple, interactive tasks such as counting cars of a specific colour, spotting road signs, or singing a song about crossing safely.

TAILORING FOR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Some children or young adults may take longer to learn these skills, so patience and understanding are essential. Look at how road safety and safe community access can be worked into your person’s NDIS goals if they have an NDIS plan, and work with an OT on strategies you can work on that best suits learning styles. Breaking tasks into manageable steps, practicing in quiet or controlled environments, and celebrating progress – no matter how small – can make learning road safety more achievable and less overwhelming.

Here’s to safe and happy travels for your family!