Tips for Australian schools on how to educate students on city school trip safety
City school trips to museums and galleries are exciting adventures that bring the classroom to life. From ancient artefacts to world-class art, students gain new perspectives that enrich their education. However, for students unaccustomed to the fast pace of city life, navigating busy streets and safely alighting from vehicles can take time and effort. Preparing them with essential commute and street crossing safety skills helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Student Safe AU, Australia’s trusted partner in student safety and school transport management, provides vital resources and support to empower schools to teach these essential skills.
In this article, we’ll explore simple yet effective lessons that schools can teach students to prepare them for safe commutes and street crossings in bustling city environments.
Why Commute and Street Crossing Safety Matters
Teaching students to safely commute and cross the street is essential for school trips in busy city areas. Australian cities can have fast-moving traffic, crowds of pedestrians, and various public transport options that require students to be alert and responsible. Learning how to board and alight vehicles safely, recognise pedestrian crossings, and stay alert around vehicles are essential life skills for children. Students learn to stay safe through commute and street crossing safety education, boosting their confidence to explore and enjoy their surroundings.
Key Lessons in Safe Alighting and Boarding
Getting on and off vehicles safely may seem simple, but for young students, learning the correct techniques is essential, especially when a school trip involves multiple stops and busy streets. Here’s how to prepare them:
- Form an Orderly Queue
The first step to safe boarding and alighting is teaching students to line up calmly and wait their turn. This prevents pushing, rushing, or accidents as they step onto or off the vehicle. - Use Handrails
Encourage students to always hold their handrails when stepping on or off a bus or tram. This small habit helps them stay balanced, significantly if the vehicle shifts slightly. - Step Down Carefully
Remind students to look where they’re stepping as they alight from the vehicle, especially in unfamiliar places. Busy city streets can sometimes have uneven surfaces, so it’s important to look down and take each step slowly. - Stay Clear of the Road
Once off the vehicle, students should promptly move onto the footpath or designated waiting area and avoid lingering by the roadside. Emphasising this part of commute and street crossing safety helps prevent any risks from passing traffic.
Student Safe AU provides schools with visual resources, such as posters and checklists, that make these steps easy for students to remember and follow. These materials reinforce the importance of being calm, observant, and mindful when boarding or alighting from any vehicle.
Teaching Street Crossing Safety in Busy Areas
Busy city streets have specific challenges, with more lanes, faster traffic, and a greater number of pedestrians. Practical commute and street crossing safety training can help students navigate these environments confidently. Here are a few simple but effective lessons:
- Wait for the Green Signal
The golden rule is to only cross at designated pedestrian crossings and when the green signal appears. Encourage students to look both ways before stepping onto the road, even when the green signal is on, as cyclists or vehicles may be turning. - The ‘Stop, Look, and Listen’ Rule
Teach students to stop at the curb, look both ways for any incoming traffic, and listen for vehicle sounds before crossing. This rule reinforces awareness and keeps them alert to their surroundings. - Cross in Groups
Emphasise the importance of crossing in groups and sticking close to their teacher or chaperone. This ensures students stay together and can cross more organizedly and visibly. - Avoid Distractions
Remind students not to use phones or listen to music while crossing the street. Commute and street crossing safety is about giving full attention to one’s surroundings, which is especially important in city settings.
Additional Safety Tips for City Trips
- Stay with the Group
Encourage students to stick with their designated groups or partners during the trip. Busy places can be overwhelming, and being in a group ensures everyone is accounted for. - Recognise Uniformed Helpers
Teach students to identify city helpers, such as crossing guards, transport officers, or museum staff, who can assist them if they feel lost or separated from the group. - Follow Chaperone Instructions
Remind students that their teacher’s or chaperone’s instructions are key on a school trip. By listening carefully and following instructions, students help make the trip smoother and safer for everyone involved.
Student Safe AU Supports Commute and Street Crossing Safety
Student Safe AU is the leading partner for independent Australian schools, offering comprehensive resources to support safe student transport and student safety management. They provide schools with detailed commute and street crossing safety training materials that cover everything from vehicle safety protocols to pedestrian awareness. By partnering with Student Safe AU, schools gain access to practical tools and information that prepare students and teachers alike for safe city explorations.
Student Safe AU also offers pre-trip checklists and guides, along with bus hire for education, specifically tailored to city trips. This ensures that teachers and students are fully prepared to manage each aspect of their journey safely. With Student Safe AU’s resources, educators can confidently teach these essential safety skills, ensuring students are prepared and empowered to navigate city streets carefully.
Conclusion
City school trips offer students a unique opportunity to engage with Australia’s rich cultural heritage in bustling urban environments. Schools can ensure these adventures are enjoyable and secure by instilling simple commute and street crossing safety skills. Teaching students to board and alight safely, follow pedestrian signals, and stay alert in city streets empowers them to explore confidently and responsibly.
With Student Safe AU’s guidance, schools can equip students and staff with the knowledge and resources they need for safe city excursions. As Australia’s trusted partner in school transportation and student safety, Student Safe AU helps schools prioritise student wellbeing, making every city trip a safe, memorable, and educational experience.