Keeping kids safe on our roads

More than 27,000 of New Zealand’s children will be safer on our roads thanks to a new, state of the art, high-visibility safety jacket.

The jackets, which are full length and made using the latest technology in safety wear, are very lightweight and completely waterproof. They will be worn by all young people who operate the controls at pedestrian crossings outside schools.

Sacred Heart School Thorndon pupil Georgia May models the new road safety jacket. Photo: Anna Woolnough

National Manager of Police Youth Services, Superintendent Bill Harrison says the 3500 jackets being distributed to over 1000 schools across New Zealand will result in a standard look for all traffic safety teams, making them instantly recognisable.

“Currently a number of different styles of reflective jacket or band are worn. With the introduction of the new-look jackets, a driver from Invercargill will recognise a school traffic safety team in Northland.

“We hope the sight of these jackets will make all drivers take even more care when travelling around our schools.”

The jackets were purchased by Police with support funding from Transfield Services.