Metlink is reminding road users to pay attention to pedestrians and asking young people to ‘press pause’ before crossing the road this Road Safety Week (12-18 May), after a car hit a high school student who was crossing the road in front of a school bus earlier this year.

Greater Wellington transport committee chair Thomas Nash stresses the importance of road users paying attention when driving and looking out for people, especially young people who may step out on the road.

“Wellington roads can be busy, especially around schools at pick up and drop off,” Cr Thomas Nash says.

“Cars are dangerous, and almost all road incidents are preventable. Avoid distractions when driving – put your phone away and be hyper aware of children and older people.

"When you’re walking, look up from your phone and make sure you can anticipate what a distracted driver might do on the road. By looking up from your phone and being alert you help keep everyone safe on the road.”

This year, Metlink is working with schools across the region to raise awareness of road safety. Aotea College principal, Kate Gainsford, says the road incident in February was frightening when a student was injured on the road.

“It was awful to have one of our students involved in a road incident on their way home from school, not just for the student who was hurt and their family, but the whole community.

“We do our best to keep our students safe both inside and outside the school gates. The conversation about safety on and near roads is important and everyone has a part to play in reinforcing the messages about safety.

“Learning road safety is lifesaving education that needs to be instilled in our young people.”

Managing director for Metlink operator Kinetic, Calum Haslop, wants to drive home the message of slowing down around school buses.

“Slowing down around buses isn’t just courteous, it’s critical. Passengers often need to cross the road after getting off the bus, and reducing speed is a key safety measure to prevent serious incidents.

“We want to remind drivers of the 20km/h speed limit when passing a stationary school bus. Even near misses can have serious consequences for everyone involved.”

Metlink encourages everyone to pay attention when travelling and sharing the road with public transport.

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