Teaching children about pedestrian safety is a crucial step in ensuring their well-being while walking. With increased traffic and distractions on the road, it is essential to equip children with the knowledge and skills to navigate the streets safely and efficiently.
In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and practical tips to promote pedestrian walking safety for children, empowering them to make informed decisions and develop lifelong habits of caution.
*Guest post. Post may contain affiliate links. Full disclosure can be viewed here.
Children are at an increased risk of fatal pedestrian accidents. In 2020, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found one in five children, 20.4%, under the age of 15 killed in crashes were pedestrians. It is crucial to illuminate the seriousness of pedestrian accidents for children and do our part in educating children how to mitigate their chances of being harmed in a crash:
Start Early
Begin teaching pedestrian safety as soon as your child begins walking independently. Emphasize basic concepts like using sidewalks, looking both ways before crossing and obeying traffic signals. “If there are no marked crosswalks, pay attention to the traffic lights and walk as directly from one corner to the next closest corner of the intersection,” note pedestrian accident attorneys at Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, “though it is the law to yield to pedestrians, it’s important to understand not everyone knows the laws or is paying enough attention to adhere to them properly.”
Interactive Activities
Use engaging activities, such as coloring books, videos, and games, to teach children about pedestrian safety. Encourage discussions about potential risks and proper road-crossing techniques.
Role-Playing
Role-playing scenarios with your child helps prepare them for real-life situations. Take turns being a pedestrian and a driver, emphasizing safe behaviors and making it a fun learning experience.
Set the Example
Children learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Setting a good example is crucial for instilling safe pedestrian habits:
Follow Traffic Rules
Obey traffic signals and pedestrian signs consistently. Demonstrate safe behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing.
Practice Patience
Teach children the importance of patience and waiting for the appropriate time to cross the street, even if it means waiting for the traffic light to change or for a clear gap in traffic. Never jaywalk because it is the quicker way of getting to your destination.
Use Sidewalks
Walk on designated sidewalks whenever possible and demonstrate the importance of staying away from the road. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Put Distractions Away
Avoiding distractions like using your phone or listening to music while walking. Show your child that enhancing safety means using all five of your senses to assess potential dangers and respond accordingly.
Encourage Visibility
Enhancing visibility can significantly improve pedestrian safety for children. Consider the following:
Bright Clothing: Encourage children to wear bright, reflective clothing or accessories, especially during dark conditions, to make them more visible to drivers.
Flashing Lights: Attach flashing lights or reflective stickers to backpacks or clothing to enhance visibility, particularly when walking at dusk or during inclement weather.
Teach Eye Contact: Instruct children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing, ensuring that they have been seen and acknowledged.
Supervise and Gradually Grant Independence
Supervision is crucial, especially for younger children. As they grow, gradually grant them independence while reinforcing safety measures. Knowing how to cross the road safely is an essential life-long skill for children, not just for Halloween or on their way to school!
Supervision
Never allow children under age 10 to cross streets alone. Accompany young children while walking until they demonstrate consistent understanding and practice of pedestrian safety rules.
Practice Routes
Familiarize children with safe walking routes to school, parks, and other destinations they frequent, pointing out potential hazards along the way.
Gradual Independence
As children grow older and demonstrate responsible pedestrian behavior, gradually grant them more independence, while continuing to reinforce safe habits and providing ongoing guidance.
Pedestrian Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility
Promoting pedestrian walking safety for children requires a collaborative effort from parents, caregivers, educators, and communities. By educating children, being role models, encouraging visibility, and gradually granting independence, we can empower them to navigate the streets confidently and responsibly.
Together, we can prioritize their safety and ensure that they can enjoy the benefits of walking while being equipped with the knowledge and skills to stay safe.
