More than 1,200 kindergarten students from the Central West and Riverina regions have learned how to stay safe on the road, thanks to a bus safety program by NRMA Insurance in partnership with NSW Police and local bus companies.
The program was started 18 years ago by NRMA Insurance proprietors Christine Hillis and Sarah Wardman, to make bus safety fun for children starting kindergarten and teach road safety awareness in students from a young age.
Throughout February and early March, 33 primary schools in Forbes, Wagga Wagga, Narrandera, and Parkes, participated in the program where young students took part in interactive activities to learn about bus safety.
The program included classroom discussions, interactive presentations, and an educational bus ride to practice the safety tips that the kindergarten students had learned.
Bus travel can be a daunting experience for school children, especially for the younger ones starting school, so the program has been designed to create a learning environment that draws the attention of the students.
Ms Hillis said: “This program helps improve the children’s general understanding of the dangers that exist when travelling in a vehicle or crossing a road and helps to increase their confidence to ensure their trip to and from school is always a safe one."
This is the first time many young kids are catching a bus and it’s about having some fun while providing an invaluable skill that school children will have for many years to come.Christine Hillis
NRMA Insurance Proprietor
Ms Wardman added: “The bus safety program has been running for nearly two decades, which has helped to build greater awareness and create a safer environment for both school kids and drivers on the road.”
Through the bus safety program children learnt to:
- Always stand two steps back from the kerb when waiting for the bus;
- Never push or shove each other or muck around at the bus stop;
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting on or off;
- Wait for the bus to move away from the kerb before you cross the road;
- Tell the driver straight away if you miss your stop;
- Discuss with a parent, carer or guardian who is a ‘safe adult’; and
- Ask a parent, carer or guardian to write your home phone number on the inside of your bag.
The program will return to the Central West and Riverina regions in February 2025.
