Look Before You Lock: resources to support family safety in and around vehicles

With summer temperatures rising, early childhood education and care services are being reminded of the critical role they play in promoting vehicle safety, particularly the risk of leaving children unattended in cars. New family resources are now available to support this life-saving message.

As the weather heats up, the risk of children being unintentionally left in vehicles becomes a heightened concern. While it can be hard to imagine, a momentary lapse in routine especially when caregivers are tired, stressed or distracted can have devastating consequences.

The Look Before You Lock campaign, supported by child safety organisations and health authorities, encourages families to develop consistent habits when it comes to car travel. Creating a daily routine, such as placing a bag or phone in the back seat, can help ensure that no child is ever left behind.

For early childhood services, this is a timely opportunity to engage with families around practical, preventative strategies that protect children’s lives.

Printed resources have been developed to support this message and are available to order online. These include flyers, posters and visual prompts designed for display in services, foyers and family spaces.

The campaign emphasises that everyone has a role to play,  not only in following safe routines themselves, but in helping others. Noticing a child alone in a car should always prompt immediate action: contact emergency services and stay at the vehicle until help arrives.

While services are already required to meet strict transportation and supervision obligations under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations, the broader issue of family vehicle safety is equally important. Promoting the Look Before You Lock message aligns with Quality Area 2 of the National Quality Standard, which focuses on children’s health and safety, both within and beyond the learning environment.

For centre managers, approved providers and educators, ordering and displaying these resources is a simple yet powerful step in supporting family safety, reducing risk and reinforcing a shared commitment to child wellbeing.