Today, I have put my quilty/crafty hat aside and replaced it with my mum hat – which is firmly planted on my head – for an important campaign being run by Transport for NSW.

My children are primary school age. Their main ‘job’ is to go to school. Listen and learn and from their teachers and to try to do their very best. Like most of their classmates, once that final school bell rings and they head to the car or bus lines, it’s almost as if a switch is flipped and their brains switch off. They run, jump, skip out of there as quickly as possible.

Sponsored by Nuffnang and Transport for NSW

Transport for NSW is raising awareness to the importance of bus safety – especially for children of school age. The statistics are of real concern and so it’s important to educate and/or remind our children about the importance of bus safety.

Between 2010 and 2014 there were 122 school aged (5-16 years) pedestrian casualties (including fatalities) in bus-related crashes and 96 of these occurred during school travel times (7.30 to 9.30am and 2.30 to 5.00pm)

The majority of casualties involved the pedestrian running across the road or a pedestrian emerging from behind a parked or stationary vehicle with the majority of casualties occurring in the afternoon - particularly between 3 – 4pm. The majority of casualties occur at mid-block locations and at locations without traffic signals or other traffic controls such as zebra crossings. There is an increased number of pedestrian casualties during school travel times in the 10-14 age group compared to the 5-9 age group which is largely due to children’s growing autonomy and independence.

Transport for NSW have create a video which is targeted at kids in primary school. It helps them to think like a secret bus agent identifying danger spots and providing key tips to teach kids how to stay safe whilst travelling to and from school.

Because at this age, the majority of kids are (REALLY) into gaming, it is based on a video game, where the main character is rewarded for safe behaviour.

The video includes a number of safety messages that complement the current school road safety curriculum and will be distributed through schools across NSW.

Be Bus Aware Safety Messages:

- Stop, Look, Listen, Think for cars, trucks and other buses when crossing the road at your bus stop

- Don’t stand too close to the kerb when waiting for the bus

- Don’t push in line while getting onto the bus

- Make sure you sit down in available seats swiftly once on board the bus

- Put your bag on your lap or under the seat, not in the aisle where others could potentially trip over

- Stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop

- Don’t be distracted with friends or technology when exiting the bus and crossing the road

- Use pedestrian crossings and lights when crossing roads to catch or leave a bus

Let’s all “Be Bus Aware” and work towards reducing incidents involving buses and children.

For more information please visit https://www.safetytown.com.au/