Date: 14/Aug/2008

One of the most important things children need to learn as they grow is how to be safe around motor vehicles.

There have been some horrific incidents in recent years where children have been severely injured or killed in driveways, on roads and in motor vehicle accidents.

The statistics* are frightening with:

• 22 passengers aged 0-6 years killed in WA over the period 1995-2004. 32% of these deaths were due to the child not wearing a car restraint
• 20 pedestrians aged 0-6 years killed in WA over the period 1995-2004
• In Australia approximately 12 toddlers a year are run over in driveways, typically by reversing cars
• 1 cyclist death and 15 serious injuries for children aged 0-6 years in WA over the period 1995-2004

The Smart Steps workshop is an incentive of School Drug Education and Road Aware (SDERA) and is funded by the Insurance Commission of WA. The workshop provides parents with information, practical tips and strategies for teaching their children road awareness in relation to passenger safety, pedestrian safety and play safety.

Playgroup WA (Inc) will be presenting 2 Smart Steps workshops during the second half of the year. If you are interested in attending and would like to be advised of workshop details when they become available please email Tracy or phone our Hotline 1800 171 882.