“Kids will ultimately look to their parents.”
Broughton said parents allowing children to play close to busy roads had at times left him “flabbergasted”.
“These children act on impulse, if a toy of some sort goes on to the road they want to go get it — especially young kids.”
Speed and driver inattention were common causes of crashes, he said.
Drivers are not supposed to come to a complete stop at road patrol crossings, but should only slow down — unless the lollipop signs are out. Halting creates additional risk for young students crossing, as road patrol wardens can become confused by drivers.
The speed limit is 20km/h when driving past a stationary school bus, and drivers need to reduce their speed below 30km/h when passing schools.
Parents had to be the ones to set a good example for their children, he said.
Tips for parents on the school pickup run
Allow for plenty of time for school drop-offs so you are not rushed and give the road your full attention.
Often drop off and pick up zones are crowded before and after school. Suggest a meeting point further down the road as a safer option to avoid congestion.
Take the time to show your children the safest route to get to school and back home and practice with them. Remind them to look left and right and look out for cars.
Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. She began as a reporter in 2023.
