Expanding our concept of best practice in road safety education: a review of current evidence and practice

The purpose of this research was to identify current practice and current evidence on best practice in road safety education (RSE) for primary school children. Findings indicated current practice in RSE focuses on classroom techniques with growing attention to curriculum-based learning that is largely teacher delivered and involves elements of participative learning. Outcomes of interest focus on the development of appropriate road safety knowledge and attitudes; few addressed behaviour. Many key research authorities and their publications indicate that when it comes to RSE for children, newly recognised elements of best practice include: strong practical training components in the real environment, involvement of parents, strategies that address the learning styles of boys, and strategies that are supported through whole-of-school and whole-of-community approaches. These latter elements seek to build skills that are learned amidst the reality of complex real environments and reinforced through the support of parents, schools and communities. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E210298.