TO PARENTS

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 387, 19 March 1937, Page 3

TO PARENTS

SAFETY FIRST

This Concerns Your Child’s Safety. Deaths through road accidents have averaged nearly 200 a year for several ye&rs . f ast, and each year several thousand persons have been injured —many of them seriously. It is doubly unfortunate that these figures should include so many children. Nothing is more certain than that every fchild needs to be warned against the dangers of modern road traffic, and advised how to protect itself. / C/nslant training is necessary, and can be«t ba given by the parent. In f£ct, your child’s safety depends largely upon your advice and your example. The habits thus formed will be of permanent value to the child, and you will be relieved of much anxiety. You are therefore urged to make your child acquainted with the rules and courtesies of the road, and to see that your child observes them. In general — A. Nev< r tend a very young child on errands, and. whenever possible, see that any child of yours under seven yej.rs of age is accompanied bv yourself, another adult, or an older and trust worthy child. B. Despatch your child Eufficieritly early to t How him to reach school in time without taking risks. Rule* ar d Safety Hints for the Child Pedestrian. 1. Keep on the footpath, except when the road must be crossed. 2. If there is no footpath, keep well to the edge of the road. 3. Look both right and left before starting to cross the road.

4. Be alert and direful at bends, corners, arid intersections. 5. Ctovs the street where there are marked crossings for pedestrians. 6. Where there is no marked crossing. cto.ls at right angles and give the right of way to all vehicles. 7. Stand on the footpath, when waiting for a tram, until the tram h-ae come to a stop. 8. Upon getting off a tram or bus. walk to the nearest footpath and wait until you see the street _is -clear before crossing over. 9. Be careful when passing in front of or behind a standing vehicle. Obtain »a clear view of the road, both to the right and left. 10. Keep your trolley!? off the road. 11. .Do not play on the street. 12. Walk carefully out of gateways or off the footpath, instead of rushing on to the road. 13. Do not steal rides, or cling behind vehicles, or play pranks with vehicles o£ any kind. 14. Learn and observe sign'als* and directions {given by traffic-control lights, traffic inspectors, and motorists. If Your Child i* a Cyclist. Be sure your child is competent to manage his cycle, and knows the traffic ruler. See that the cycle is of a suitable size, properly equipped with efficient bell, lights, and brakes, and is in other respects in a safe condition. You are earnestly requested to discourage your children from riding in the centre of the road, or speeding down hill or around bends.

L Rules and Safety Minis for the Child j ) Cyclist. 1. Do not ride negligently or care- j kssly on the street or road. 2. Do not ride on the footpath. Use I the cycle track if one fs provided. • 3. Keep as far as possible to the j left of the street or road. 4. Do not ride more than two i abreast. In traffic, always ride single file. 5. Do not ride on the right of a motor-vehicle proceeding in the same direction as yourself, except for the purpose of overtaking it. 6. Do not swerve suddenly, nr -jpeed down hills or around bends. 7. At crossings or intersections, give way to all vehicles coming from your right. If necessary, stop and let the other vehicle pass. 8. When intending to turn to your right at an intersection, keep to your left until you enter the intersection. Then turn as directly and quickly as you can with safety. 9. Signal your intention to turn to your right by extending the right arm horizontally to your right. 10. In signalling, give plenty of notice to other traffic. 11. Do not increase your speed when an overtaking vehicle signals its intention of passing yod. 12. Do not attempt to overtake at bends or corners, or when you have not *a clear view ahead. 13. Ride with extra caution when the road is wet. Do not apply brakes suddenly. If possible, keep clear of tram-lines. Cross tram-lines, if this

I is necessary, at right angles in order i to avoid skidding. • 14. Do not ride out of your own • home or school ground into the line j 3f traffic. • In addition, it would be wise to ! warn your child against other dangerous practices On the part of some ; -yclists, j itch as- • Ri ling with only one hand on the handle-bar, or one foot on the pedals or any form of “trick riding”; Towing behind other vehicles; Double-banking; | Carrying parcels on the handl-- | bar; I Wobbling about the road. I Jhe danger to the young cyclist is j a very real one unless he is taught ■ the rules of conduct for cyclists, and I unless he observes those rules.