A sample of 177 children aged from 8-12 years was interviewed about a series of road safety issues. They were from both government and Catholic schools in the four Department of Education metropolitan regions of Sydney, Australia. For each child surveyed, one parent independently completed a questionnaire concerning the same issues. The aim of the survey was to assess the feasibility of introducing a road safety education program aimed at parents of children aged between 8 and 12 years. The results of the study give information on parents' concerns about road safety, the safety of the local environment, children's and parents' road safety attitudes and behaviours, what parents taught their children about road safety and the effects of this teaching on the children, parents' knowledge and understanding of young children's limitations in the traffic environment, and parents' willingness to participate in school-based and home-based road safety programs. There was a good deal of concern about road safety, and enthusiasm for road safety education programs that provide material for parents to use with their young children. Children showed they were very aware of their parents' road safety behaviour; unsafe driving behaviour may have long-term consequences. Using the results of the survey as a basis, this report provides suggestions for a suitable road safety education program for this age group. (A)
Abstract