Kids say don’t drink and drive this Xmas

CHILDREN are being creative to bring home the message urging adults not to drink and drive over the festive season.

The Australian Road Safety Foundation is hoping the nation’s littlest passengers will make the big difference when it comes to the Christmas road toll this year.

In 2015, 1205 people did not make it home for Christmas because they were killed in road crashes.

Ahead of the most dangerous and busiest time on our roads, the Foundation is encouraging teachers and holiday workshop organisers to add a safety message to festive craft activities.

Founder and chief executive Russell White said integrating safety education into festive activity for kids would serve as a powerful reminder to their friends and family the road toll is more than just a number.

“We hope that a safety message from the most important people in our lives – our children – will ensure that each and every one of us makes it home to them for Christmas,” Mr White said.

“One fatality is one too many at any time of the year, but to have so many people killed during a time meant for family and joy is absolutely gut-wrenching.

“We all have a role to play in reducing the number of empty seats at the Christmas table every year.”

The Foundation developed special tree ornaments for schoolchildren to decorate with a safety message and is imploring other schools and holiday groups around the nation to follow suit.

Mr White said the best way to reduce the traffic loss of life on our roads was prevention.

“We hope parents and guardians will listen if the message of slowing down, putting the phone away, driving alert and uninhibited and making sure the car is safe, comes from their most precious cargo.”

Suggested road safety messaging and a Christmas tree decoration pattern are available for teachers on the road safety website.