‘I’ve seen a few near misses’: Children killed on NSW roads has doubled during Covid

The number of children killed on the roads has doubled in the past year, prompting concerned parents to issue a warning.

The number of children killed on NSW roads has doubled in the past year, largely because more kids have been playing near busy roads during lockdown.

Alarming figures, compiled by motoring group the NRMA, show 14 children aged between five and 16 died on the state’s roads this year compared to ten deaths last year, which is now double the 2018-2020 three-year average of seven deaths.

It has prompted the NRMA to launch a road safety campaign on Tuesday, in partnership with primary schools across the state, as students return for face-to-face learning.

“More children are around locally during the day as a result of the lockdown and it’s easy to fall into bad habits when it comes to the basics around interacting with traffic safely, from wearing bike helmets the right way to crossing roads safely,” NRMA Educator Christine McKenna said.

Mother of two Joelle Touchard, top left, said she has seen an increase of children playing near roads. Picture: Supplied

‘I have seen a few near misses.’ Picture: Supplied

“This is resulting in a growing and worrying safety risk, so now is the perfect time to drive home some of those lifesaving messages in a fun and interactive way and the most efficient method of doing this is through our schools.”

The campaign will involve activities and educational material designed specifically to support teachers in having class discussions around the dangers of playing near busy roads.

It includes younger age groups making posters for their local areas, reminding motorists to be extra vigilant.

Older children will be given the opportunity to work in a team to create their own awareness campaign around “being a good mate” and calling out road safety risks when hanging out with their friend.

Eastern suburbs schoolteacher and mother-of-two Joelle Touchard had her own close encounter while driving, but fortunately was able to avoid a tragedy.

“I have seen a few near misses when out walking and even experiencing one myself,” she said.

“The group of pre-teens without looking came out of the side lane, but luckily one of them grabbed the other to stop her from being hit.”

And while pandemic restrictions were easing, Ms Touchard still expected kids to play in groups during the holidays, using roads as an extension of the family backyard.

“As a physical education teacher we cover some of the content in the syllabus, but it is usually disregarded by student as it was not considered important,” Ms Touchard said.

“Now it’s more common that kids are jumping on bikes and getting out there so it will be a great reminder to both kids, parents and all road users to take more care and look out.”

NSW Roads Minister Rob Stokes was contacted for comment.

Originally published as ‘I’ve seen a few near misses’: Children killed on NSW roads has doubled during Covid