Starting Out Safely program leading the way in children’s road safety in Australia
Victoria, Australia, is leading the way in road safety with more than 75,000 children benefiting from an Australian-first “Starting Out Safely”, road safety education program delivered through early learning centres.
The Andrews Labour Government has invested $1.51 million over three years to maintain the Starting Out Safely program for children across the state.
Starting Out Safely supports families and early childhood educators to guide, educate and improve children’s in-car and walking and cycling safety, helping them to become safe and independent road users.
Delivered through fun, interactive sessions using characters including Professor Eric Speriment and his friend ThingleToodle, the program takes a comprehensive approach to road safety education.
It also aligns with the National Quality Framework which aims to improve education and care across long day care, preschool, kindergarten and family day-care.
Starting Out Safely is funded by VicRoads and was first launched in 1989.
It has evolved into one of the most comprehensive early years road safety education programs in Australia.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan, said: “Our children are some of our most vulnerable road users, that’s why we’re investing in this program to keep them safe on our roads.”
“Victoria leads the way in road safety, be it through innovative education programs like this, our record investment in safe system infrastructure or our ambitious Towards Zero strategy.”
VicRoads Director Road User and Vehicle Access Robyn Seymour, said: “Starting Out Safely is the beginning of the road safety journey for young Victorians, helping them to understand how to be safe on the road from an early age.”
“Research shows that early years are critical for establishing safe road use habits to ensure children have the skills, confidence and ability to become engaged and active members of their communities.”
