Looking Ahead: Building Safe Habits for the School Year

As the new school year settles into routine, it is important not to let road safety slip from our minds. September’s campaigns focus heavily on the school run, but safety is a year-round responsibility. In the coming months, there are several seasonal challenges where vigilance is especially important.

Halloween: Excitement in the Dark

Halloween is now a familiar celebration in Spain, with children taking to the streets in costumes, often dark and difficult to see. Excitement can lead to carelessness — children may cross without looking or wander in groups. Drivers should slow down in residential areas, particularly at dusk and after dark. Parents can help by making sure costumes include reflective strips or accessories and by accompanying younger children.

Christmas and Three Kings: Busy Roads and Crowded Streets

From December through to the arrival of the Three Kings in January, towns and cities are filled with traffic, shopping, and celebrations. With distractions everywhere, risks increase for drivers and pedestrians alike. Take extra care around:

• Pedestrian crossings near shops — often crowded and with impatient pedestrians.
• Car parks — higher risks of collisions and thefts during the festive rush.
• Parades and local fiestas — where traffic restrictions and large crowds create extra hazards.

Protecting Your Vehicle and Your Home

The festive season also means gifts. Remember:

• Do not leave valuables on show in your car. Bags, wrapped parcels, or even shopping left in plain sight are an invitation to thieves.
• Dispose of packaging carefully. Leaving boxes from expensive items outside can signal what’s inside your home. Break packaging down before recycling and avoid displaying it openly.
• Lock up properly. Whether at school drop-off, a shopping centre, or at home, simple habits reduce the chance of loss.

A Year-Round Mindset

Road safety and security are not seasonal campaigns — they are habits. As parents, drivers, and community members, it is our responsibility to keep children safe, remain alert as road users, and protect our belongings. By thinking ahead, we can enjoy the autumn and winter festivities while reducing risks on and off the road.