2 September 2002: The National Safety Council is appealing to motorists this week to 'expect the unexpected' as over 800,000 children return to school after the summer break.

Pat Costello, Chief Executive, National Safety Council, said this is a particularly testing time for drivers. "Aside from encountering the usual traffic problems, motorists face thousands of young and inexperienced pedestrians and cyclists, coupled with the excitement of perhaps starting a new school. Drivers need to be doubly attentive from this week onward," he said.

The National Safety Council recommends that motorists:

• Look out for children getting on and off buses
• Be mindful of children crossing the road at all times
• Give cyclists sufficient room
• Expect the unexpected

An important recommendation from the Council is that parents sit down with their children and discuss the rules of the road. Parents have a key role to play in their children's safety. Discussing and deciding on the safest route to school should be the number one priority. Parents should also exercise reasonable caution when choosing a 'drop-off' point for school children, so that there is no danger to children exiting the car and no obstruction to traffic or other pedestrians or cyclists.

The following additional guidelines have been issued for Parents:

• Children under 7 should not cross roads on their own
• Set a good example by choosing a safe place to cross the road – explaining why
• Children walking on country roads should wear reflective armbands
• Teach children to take special care getting on or off a bus or mini-bus
• While waiting for a bus, children should stand well in off the road
• Ensure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to cycle to school
• If your child does cycle, make sure they are highly visible and wear a helmet at all times
• Children should sit in the back seat of a car, and always wear a seatbelt or suitable restraint
• Don't park within 20 yards of the school entrance

Copies of the leaflet 'Going to School' are available from the National Safety Council