Building road safety skills for life
Developing road safety habits starts early and evolves over a lifetime, writes Mel Percival, RACT GM Advocacy and Government Relations.
Staying safe on the road is more than just following rules, it’s a life skill developed and refined from an early age.
The foundation for lifelong road safety is laid in childhood. Early lessons teach the essential skills children need before becoming independent road users. This process works best when reinforced by parents, schools and the broader community. Together, we not only share knowledge but also model safe behaviours for children to follow.
For parents and carers of preschoolers, small actions can have a big impact. Holding hands while crossing the road provides physical safety and an opportunity to talk about choosing safe crossing points. Introducing the “stop, look, listen and think” routine turns a simple action into a valuable learning experience.
As children grow and gain independence in primary school, parents become role models. Demonstrating safe behaviours – such as using crossings, obeying traffic signs and respecting school zones – leaves lasting impressions on young minds and instils good habits early.
For young adults learning to drive, parents and carers remain key influencers. Functional skills like understanding road rules and vehicle operation are vital, but equally important are soft skills like assessing risks, making decisions and recognising the responsibility that comes with driving. Teaching these skills equips young drivers to protect themselves, their passengers and other road users.
The statistics on road trauma in Tasmania are sobering. Every serious injury or fatality represents a life forever changed, a family grieving and a community affected. Yet by instilling road safety habits early and reinforcing them throughout life, we can change this narrative.
Programs like RACT’s Yippee and RoadSafe play a key role in educating young Tasmanians. In 2024 alone, more than 7800 children learned how to be safe passengers, pedestrians and cyclists. These initiatives also teach critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for lifelong safety.
Looking ahead, RACT is proud to work with the Tasmanian Government to develop a youth road safety program for students in Years 9 to 12. This comprehensive initiative aims to create a cultural shift in how young Tasmanians approach getting behind the wheel, building a foundation for safer driving habits that last a lifetime.
Reducing road trauma is a collective challenge. By prioritising education, fostering collaboration and reinforcing road safety skills at every stage of life, we can not only protect young drivers but create a safer future for everyone.