In today’s bustling world, ensuring the safety of our children as they navigate the roads on foot has never been more critical. Kids, with their innocent charm and unbounded curiosity, often forget to heed the hazards of walking near or crossing busy streets. That’s why our responsibility as parents, guardians, and adults is to arm them with the necessary knowledge for their safety.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into simple, actionable measures that children should learn and practice daily. By teaching these rules, we ensure our young ones can independently and confidently conquer the streets, sidewalks, and crosswalks, keeping themselves safe while also helping to foster a sense of responsibility and awareness in them. So, whether your child is just starting to walk to school or enjoys a daily jaunt in the park, read on to discover how to make their journey safer.
Walking Safely With A Child
1. Accompany Children Under Ten Years Old
Independence is great and all, but the streets are very busy places. There are moving vehicles, signs, lights, and plenty of distractions. No matter how sure you are that your kid knows what to do, they need time to develop. Look on the bright side, though. You get to be with them until they’re old enough to feel embarrassed at being seen in public with their parent.
- All children learn and develop differently. After your child reaches their tenth birthday, it’s up to you to decide if they can do this independently. If not, it’s all right to continue to teach them.
2. Put Away Phones And Other Distractions
That means you, too, mom and dad. Set a good example by storing your devices. Wrestle your teenager to get their phone away from them if that’s what it takes. Video games and toys also pose a significant distraction to younger children. The forgotten threat is in headphones, which take away a sense that’s very important to street safety.
- No one should wear headphones when they’re around cars. You wouldn’t wear them while driving, and walking is no different.
3. Walk Near Low-speed Roads Without Much Traffic
The best locations for learning street safety are the least intimidating ones. Slow and low-speed roads pose the least threat. These roads are often found on community side roads away from town centres. You know your area best so you can direct your child to safer routes. Also, adjust your route when walking with your child, so you can teach them in a calmer, safer environment,
- Take the time to plan out your walks. Residential streets or crossings with many pedestrians can be good learning spots for children.
4. Wear Colorful Clothing In The Evening
No doubt you’d rather not have your child outside at night. You’re right to be afraid since you know that the dark makes pedestrians harder to spot. Still, it’s a good idea to teach your child how to manage this situation now. Tell them about it and if you’re out in the evening, have everyone wear bright clothing. Put aside the black and blue. Break out that lime green t-shirt at the bottom of your drawer.
- Following proper street safety rules, such as obeying traffic signals and utilizing crosswalks, is even more essential at night.
5. Explain Street Signs Frequently
It’s easy to spot a sign and ask them, “What does that sign mean?” The problem is that many children, especially young children, must constantly be reminded of this. It’s not their fault, though, so stay patient and informative. As you walk with them, start explaining what each street sign means. On subsequent walks, ask them what the signs mean. When they get it wrong, gently explain the correct answer.
- At first, kids will repeat back the explanations you give them. You’ll know they’ve memorized the lesson when they can give you answers in their own words.
Show Them What Traffic Signals Mean
You never have to think of a signal’s meaning, so you take them for granted. Children have no concept of the meanings adults assign to colours and symbols. Show them those traffic lights and signs. Also, explain the symbols on crosswalk lights. A blinking sign for “don’t start walking” differs from a solid sign for “don’t walk.”
- An easy way to do this is by walking them through a crosswalk with traffic and nearby crosswalk lights. Once they know enough, you can have them decide when walking is safe.
6. Teach Children To Stop At All Roads
This is a primary concern for most parents. A ball rolls into the street, or a child sees something distracting them, such as a friend on the other side, so they run. From a young age, instruct children that “roads are not for playing.” They’ll learn to wait until the coast is clear and get across the street promptly.
- Even if you catch them making a mistake, be gentle. Do your best to stay calm and explain the danger.
7. Have Children Walk Facing Traffic When There’s No Sidewalk
Sometimes street conditions aren’t ideal. Although these situations should be avoided as much as possible, they’re still worth learning. Too many people don’t know they should walk, so traffic is approaching them. This way, your child can see and react to dangerous drivers.
- Teach children to “keep their eyes on cars.” They can’t do this when they’re not facing traffic.
8. Walk As Far To The Left As Possible When There’s No Sidewalk
Everyone must get as far away from the road when there’s no sidewalk. You’ve probably encountered those moments where you’re nervous because you don’t feel separated enough from these large vehicles speeding by. Children are harder to see than you, so getting off the road is a lifesaver. You never know when a car will drift over the line.
- Even on a sidewalk, placing your child to the left of you can protect them from an unexpected accident.
9. Teach Awareness Near Driveways And Other Blind Spots
Driveways tend to be particularly dangerous spots for younger kids. You’ve probably been in situations where you’ve backed out and cannot see the sidewalk or another car. This can also happen around alleys and street corners. Remind children that drivers can’t see well and might forget to slow down. Have them stop and look before continuing your walk.
- Teach them how to respond by jumping back or freezing in place.
Crossing Streets
1. Have Children Always Cross At A Crosswalk
Crosswalks and corners exist for a reason. Many adults put themselves at greater risk by scurrying across the street whenever they want. That’s a very dangerous lesson to show a child, so guide them to the crossing zones even if you must go a little out of your way. Getting to rule the crosswalk lines is fun and makes you more visible to motorists.
- Crosswalk lights can be tricky for younger children. When they see the blinking hand pop up, they may freeze in the middle of the street. That’s why you’re there to guide them.
- Play games with them such as “I Spy” or “Guess the meaning of the sign.” For example, you can ask, “What does this sign mean? Should we stop or walk?” Praise them for getting it right.
2. Remind Your Child To Stop And Look Both Ways Before Crossing
“Look left, right, left.” Your parents probably hammered a similar song into your head when you were young. Before you step into the street, have them look for any danger. Continue looking and listening even after you begin crossing. Cars that appear distant may reach you faster than expected. Drivers make mistakes, too, so it’s up to you and your child to protect yourself by waiting until the coast is clear before crossing.
- Try asking the child what they should do during different situations. Expect them to answer at a crosswalk with something like, “I stop and look both ways.” Eventually, they’ll be able to say this back in their own words, proving that they understand.
- Listening while crossing is almost as important as looking. Newer cars and hybrids can be very quiet.
3. Have Children Make Eye Contact With Drivers While Crossing
A road is an ever-changing place. Even a situation that appears safe can quickly develop into an accident. Have your child search out the eyes of the drivers they approach. Drivers you look in the eye are more likely to stop. Your child will soon recognize drivers who aren’t paying attention.
- Some vehicles, such as those with tinted windows, make eye contact impossible, but it’s always worth trying.
4. Hold A Young Child’s Hand As They Cross
Anyone in the presence of a young child knows how much they enjoy running ahead of you. Many children also lack the attention span to get across the street promptly. At least until age six, lead them by the hand. Grab your teenager when they’re too distracted to be street safe.
- This is a golden opportunity to let them decide when it’s safe to cross. Ask them, “is it safe?” and don’t move until they say yes. This can also be helpful for developmentally disabled children.
5. Explain The Danger Of Crossing Between Parked Cars
Besides driveways, parked cars are a leading cause of accidents. This sounds weird but thinks about it. It’s very difficult to see someone when they come out from between two cars. Even adults make this mistake, but children are much more minor and harder to see. Your child must know to go to a street crossing!
- Never try to scare children with street dangers. Instead, calmly explain to them so they learn the lessons rather than get distracted by your tone.
Being an Engaging Teacher
1. Keep Your Instructions Short And Clear
Avoid giving long lectures on street safety. As an adult, you probably don’t want to give them either. Children aren’t going to remember all of what you say anyway. “Red means stop” or “look left, right left” is far easier to understand than a lengthy explanation of traffic safety. Spare yourself the breath since you’ll need to repeat these instructions frequently for younger children.
- Instead of explaining, ask the child what to do next or quiz them on street signs.
2. Model Safety Behavior With Toy Cars For Younger Kids
It doesn’t hurt to incorporate a bit of visual learning. Try using toy cars to set up safety scenarios, such as with driveways or crossings. Those play mats that look like big road maps come in handy for this, providing an opportunity to teach kids without taking them outside. Your child will probably appreciate trading a little educational time for some new toy cars, too.
3. Make Learning Fun With Games
Reiterating safety lessons while walking is valuable, but games make essential points more memorable. One way to do this is the I Spy game. Say something like, “I spy a red sign that means stop,” and let them answer. They might have so much fun they don’t realize you’re giving them an educational lesson!
- While indoors, you could print out traffic signs and let kids interpret them. You might also dress up as traffic signs or colors for a sight no kid would forget!
- Inventing safety songs or painting scenarios such as a “safe crossing at the street corner” might also be fun.
4. Let The Child Decide When To Walk
Give children a little executive power. Stop in place when you come up to a crossing or other teaching point. Ask them if it’s safe to walk. You can test them by letting them squeeze your hand or signal that it’s time to cross. They’ll enjoy being able to make the decision.
- You can also have them recite the steps if they don’t know all the safety procedures. For example, sing, “Stop, look, listen, stay safe!”
5. Teach Them Together With Friends Or Siblings
It’s more fun to learn together. That makes classrooms great places, but you can do this with another child. Children take cues from others, so they’ll feel encouraged to join in with the learning. Go ahead and coordinate with other parents or teach your own children together at the same time.
- Sometimes giggling can be a distraction. Do your best to get everyone to focus. Be persistent before you continue walking or teaching.
In conclusion, teaching street safety to children is crucial to ensuring their well-being and independence. By implementing these basic street safety rules and using these interactive teaching techniques, parents and guardians can empower their children to safely navigate their surroundings. From crossing roads at crosswalks to recognizing traffic signals, understanding the meaning of various street signs, and learning to be vigilant near driveways and blind spots, every lesson contributes to a child’s overall street smarts.
It is also essential to continuously reinforce these lessons until they become second nature. By doing so, we cultivate a safer environment for our kids and peace of mind for ourselves, knowing that they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the busy streets. Remember, the goal is not to instill fear but to foster a deep sense of awareness and responsibility in our children. This guide on “Basic Street Safety Rules For Children When Walking” is just the start – a safe journey begins with every step we take to educate our children.