Issue 61, June 2013 - Safekids

THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Community events
Major sponsor:
EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY:
Holiday Programme promotes
Run Over Prevention
Taneatua and Ruatoki families were treated to a special holiday
programme which also promoted driveway run over prevention.
“Each day we had over 50 children
and teens doing fun activities such as
treasure hunts and the traditional Māori
game Kiorahi,” said Colleen Walters of
the Te Kaokao O Takapau Health and
Disability Service.
They also had Guy Monika of Te Puna Ora
o Mataatua who facilitated the Safekids
Driveway Safety Kit. "Parents were so
shocked at how large the blind zone is,
and realised the real danger when moving
their vehicles at driveways,” Colleen said.
You too can use a Safekids Driveway Run
Over Safety Kits at your next event at no
cost. To find a kit, visit our website:
http://www.safekids.org.nz/index.php/
page/driveway-run-over-kit-locations
Countdown safety week promotes run over prevention
April was Countdown supermarket's safety month, and was an opportunity for
their Auckland National Distribution Centre in Wiri to learn about driveway run
over prevention.
"For a week we focused on safety at home. During shift changes
we got as many of the team as possible to hop in a car to see
if they could see the Safekids Driveway Run Over Dolls," said
Countdown safety week coordinator Marie-Louise Bell.
"It was a daunting experience as most of them could not see
the kids. We talked about what they could do at home and
everywhere to make sure they checked before driving," she
added.
Companies can borrow Safekids Driveway Run Over Safety
kits to promote safety to their staff by emailing:
Joanna.Milne@adhb.govt.nz
MASTERTON: Holiday programme promotes scooter safety
Trolley races, paddleboards and scooters are just some of the activities
that make Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council’s (MSHCC)
Summer School Holiday Programmes so popular.
Sandy Ryan, MSHCC manager said their
recent programme, designed for children
aged 5 to 13 and free to enter, is unique
compared with anything that they've had
before.
"We had stand-up paddleboards with
the Foxton Wind Warriors, a charter bus
to pick up kids south of Masterton, and
scooter safety education,” Sandy said.
MSHCC works closely with the
Wairarapa Road Safety Council to
offer the scooter safety programme
and is supported by MICRO Scooters
NZ. It's also part of the Wellington
region’s School Travel Plan, and done
in partnership with schools, territorial
authorities, the regional council and
supporting communities to promote safe
and active travel.
“Our instructors cover safety awareness
and scooter safety skills, and many of
these skills are essential for all kinds of
travel--be it scootering, walking, cycling,
skateboarding, and even in skills they gain
in years to come, such as driving,” Sandy
said.
Helping kids to become street smart gives
parents confidence in letting their kids
travel independently when they are ready.
"The more they scoot, walk or cycle to
school, the less traffic congestion at the
school gates and on our roads, and the
better it will be for the environment,” she
added.
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Safekids News: June 2013 Issue No 61