If you’ve already noticed the nights drawing in, then you’ll know the importance of keeping you and your children safe on the roads. It’s something that GEM Motoring Assist, the breakdown road safety organisation is very conscious of. Here are some tips for parents and their children to think about.

• It’s cool to be bright: kit your kids out with high visibility fluorescent or reflective jackets, vests or belts.

• If you drive to school, please allow plenty of time to park safely and legally. Don’t pull up on zig-zag lines outside a school, and respect local residents by not blocking driveways and access points.

• Find out about any local safe walking initiatives that may operate at your child’s school. Team up with neighbours and walk together.

• Brush up your knowledge of the Highway Code, and establish safe routes and safe places to cross any roads.

• Respect speed limits. Many areas around schools are subject to 20mph speed limits (either permanent or timed), and you will face a £100 fine and three points on your licence if you are caught speeding.

• Respect the crossing patrol. Be patient and always be prepared to stop. Remember, it’s an offence not to stop at a patrol’s signal.

• If you drive older children but they don’t need escorting into the school premises, always make sure they get out of the car in a safe location, and never let them step out into the road instead of the pavement.

As the summer quickly passes into autumn, this good advice will help all be safe around school premises.