Published | 25 August 2026
Young Tasmanians are learning important road safety messages through the power of stories this Book Week (22–28 August), with RACT staff visiting schools and early learning centres across the state to help children stay safe as pedestrians and passengers.
RACT Community Coordinator Hayley Brown said helping children develop positive road safety habits from an early age was an important part of creating safer roads for everyone.
“Children are constantly learning how to navigate the world around them and roads are a big part of that,” Ms Brown said.
“Book Week gives us a great opportunity to make road safety fun and engaging, while helping children understand simple behaviours that can help keep them safe.”
Yippee is part of RACT’s broader community education program, which supports road safety education across Tasmania through engagement with early learning centres, schools and the wider community.
Ms Brown said parents, carers and educators also had an important role to play in helping children develop safe road behaviours.
“Yippee is designed for younger children, but it’s also a great tool for parents, carers and educators to use to start conversations about road safety,” she said.
“Created in collaboration with our South Australian sister club, RAA, the book uses colourful illustrations and simple rhymes to introduce children aged up to six to positive road safety behaviours.
“Children learn so much by watching the adults around them, so one of the best things we can do is model safe behaviours every day.
“We encourage parents and carers to take every opportunity to talk to children about road safety, whether you’re walking to school, crossing the road or getting in the car.”
RACT’s tips for teaching children to be safe around roads:
Talk about road safety whenever you’re near a road with your children.
Hold hands with young children when crossing the road.
Make sure children are correctly restrained every time they travel in a car.
Model safe road behaviours for your children.
Schools and early learning centres interested in RACT’s community road safety education programs can register here.