Starting Out Safely program leading the way in children’s road safety in Australia

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Victoria, Australia, is leading the way in road safety with more than 75,000 children benefiting from an Australian-first “Starting Out Safely”, road safety education program delivered through early learning centres. The Andrews Labour Government has invested $1.51 million over three years to maintain the Starting Out Safely program for children across the state. Starting Out Safely supports families and early childhood educators to guide, educate and improve children’s in-car and walking and cycling safety, helping them to become safe and independent road users. Delivered through fun, interactive sessions using characters including Professor Eric Speriment and his friend ThingleToodle, the program takes a comprehensive approach to road safety education. It also aligns with the National Quality Framework which aims to improve education and care across long day care, preschool, kindergarten and family day-care. Starting Out Safely is funded by VicRoads and was first launched in 1989. It has evolved into one of the most comprehensive early years road safety education programs in Australia.