Armidale Regional Council (ARC) has launched a new road safety campaign to encourage careers to hold children’s hands when near or crossing roads.
In partnership with the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation, Council has launched the safety initiative, ‘Hold my hand’ which advocates for child road safety through community education, government campaigning and by implementing effective local and national road safety initiatives.
Following the tragic death of four-year-old Thomas Maxwell Davis McLaughlin in 2014 from a pedestrian road accident on the Central Coast, Tom’s mother, Michelle McLaughlin established the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation.
Today the foundation campaigns for a stronger focus towards road safety, and a more educated, and safer future for communities across the country.
Council has teamed up with Little Blue Dinosaur for a more dedicated approach to road safety in the Armidale Region, establishing ‘Hold my hand’ signs in key locations across our region including;
- The Aboretum
- Adventure Playground
- Curtis Park North and South
- Lambert Park
- McDonald Park
- Rotary Park Guyra
- Apex Park Guyra
- Guyra Recreation Ground
“The Armidale region is a place where community spirit thrives, and the ‘Hold my hand’ initiative embodies that spirit,” said Deputy Mayor Todd Redwood.
“We are dedicated to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all children living and visiting our region.
“As a father of two young children, I was disturbed to learn that on average, one Australian child is killed on our roads each week.
This shocking statistic fueled my passion to ensure this initiative was introduced in our region.
“The ‘Hold my hand’ initiative is a testament to Armidale Regional Council’s unwavering dedication to its residents and the enhancement of our region’s quality of life, particularly for youth.
This initiative reflects the Council’s commitment to safety, unity, and community empowerment, creating a brighter and safer future for the youth in our region.
“The Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation offers three key child pedestrian road safety tips, allowing communities to become more educated on child safety in their area;
1. Hold your child’s hand (on or near roadways). It’s just as important as wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle.
2. Slow down The risk of death or serious injury is higher for children, even at low speeds. (In a crash between a car and a pedestrian, there is a 90 per cent chance of death at speeds of 50km/h or greater)
3. Educate you child. Talk to your kids about road safety and the importance of safe behaviour around roadways.
Children aged 10 years and younger have limited cognitive, physical and perceptual limitations around roadways, driveways, and car parks which makes them very vulnerable road users.
“We should always encourage our children to hold a parent or caregiver’s hand and cross at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings whenever possible, instilling the values of safety and responsibility from a young age.”, Michelle McLaughlin, Chief Executive Officer – Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation.
“It’s motivating to see local government organisations, just like Armidale Regional Council, take on these important initiatives in an effort towards a safer future for their community. Without their support, it’s difficult to facilitate the vital work that the Little Blue Dinosaur Foundation commits to.”
