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10 Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe as Pedestrians
As a parent, you want your child to remain safe. Teaching them how to be a safe pedestrian can help ensure that they don’t become involved in an accident. Pedestrian accidents are some of the most common types of accidents involving kids and can lead to serious injury or even death. Teaching your kids how to be aware and responsible when crossing the street can reduce the risk of such an accident occurring. Here are ten tips for helping kids avoid pedestrian accidents.
Tip #1 – Make Eye Contact with Drivers
It is important for your child to make eye contact with drivers before crossing a road or intersection, no matter what time of day it is. This will help ensure that drivers see your child and know that they plan on crossing.
Tip #2 – Cross at Crosswalks
Whenever possible, have your children cross the street at designated crosswalks or intersections in order to increase their safety while crossing. This will also help ensure that drivers are aware of their presence and intent to cross the street.
Tip #3 – Wear Bright Colors
Having your children wear bright colors when out walking is a great way for them to be seen more easily by drivers on the road. Wearing lighter colors during the day, such as yellow or orange, and reflective items at night can make all the difference in ensuring their safety as pedestrians.
Tip #4 – Use Sidewalks
Have your children walk on sidewalks whenever available instead of walking on roadsides or other areas where vehicles may not anticipate foot traffic like sidewalks do. If sidewalks are unavailable, then teach them to walk facing traffic, so they can see any oncoming cars and react accordingly.
Tip #5 – Teach the Basics
Teach your children the basic rules of the road, such as “stop, look, and listen” before crossing the street.
Tip #6 – Always Look First
Teach your child not to run into the street without looking for cars first, even if it is tempting in a game of tag or hide-and-seek or retrieving a ball.
Tip #7 – Watch for Hazards
Point out potential hazards along the way, such as busy roads or construction sites so that your child knows to stay away from them when alone.
Tip #8 – Set a Good Example
Set a good example by wearing bright colors, using appropriate crossings, and refraining from talking on a cell phone while walking with young kids near roads or intersections.
Tip #9 – Stranger Danger
Talk about what to do if a stranger approaches them while they are alone so that they know how to react in these situations (call 911 or a trusted adult).
Tip #10 – Proper Routes
Make sure that your kids have a fun but safe route to school and back home so that they understand the importance of pedestrian safety while they are alone.
Keeping your children safe while out walking is crucial in order to prevent any unfortunate pedestrian accidents from occurring. By following these simple tips, you can help keep them safe while out walking or playing near streets or roads.
