Road Safety for Children
Road accidents involving children are on the increase; that’s the stark fact we all face. So what can we all do to help this depressing situation? Well, one of the main ways is to make sure your child is fully aware of the risks they face on a daily basis from the traffic.
A child has to be taught how dangerous it’s out there on the roads.
But first the facts.
Increase in Child Road Deaths
In 2006 some 169 children were killed on the U.K.’s roads and 71 of those were child pedestrians. This was up 13% over the previous year. And the number of children who were killed whilst cycling was up a staggering 55%.
And the most vulnerable? Those under nine years of age. The little ones find it hard to see over parked cars for example and being small, they are also harder for drivers to spot. And couple that with the fact that young children cannot accurately judge speed, or a car’s intentions, and you have a recipe for disaster.
How You Can Help
Take the initiative. Help your child understand the dangers and bear in mind that different aged children need a slightly different approach.
Under 5’s:
A delicate age, so:
- show your child how to properly cross the road. And whenever you are out with your child, make sure you never take shortcuts. No dashing across the road, and always wait for the green pedestrian light. Do not teach them bad habits. Be calm and patient at all times, and they will copy you;
- when walking along the road, make sure you are on the outside, and hold their hands even on quiet stretches. Do not let them see the road, or pavement, as a play area;
- avoid parked cars, which can obscure moving traffic and the person crossing the road;
- keep clear when vehicles are maneuvering. These are not play areas, but places where accidents can easily happen;
- remember above all else, roads and pavements are not play areas.
5 to 9 years-old
At this age, children are more easily able to understand the implications of their actions, so they can really start to learn the right way to survive around traffic, so:
- when out walking, talk about road signs, traffic lights, pedestrian crossings and the behaviour of cars;
- ask them to think about where they might cross, if they had to decide themselves. If they get it wrong, explain patiently and carefully why, and show the right way to do it;
- teach them the basics of ‘…stop, look, listen and think…’ everytime they reach the kerbside, and don’t begin the teaching process on an A road, choose quieter roads;
- if your child wants to ride near a road, or on a pavement, say no, unless a responsible adult is there to supervise. And remember, always make them wear an approved cycle helmet;
- to help your child begin to take safety seriously, get them to buckle up in the car without being asked to do so;
10 to 14 years old
By this age, they should be fully aware of the dangers of traffic, but don’t take things for granted. So:
- don’t let your child forget the basics. They should never forget the 'stop, look, listen and think' rule;
- at this age, you should ensure that your child understands basic road laws, including junctions and roundabouts, which gives them a chance to fully understand what is happening around them;
- make sure your child knows the safest route from home to school, and a route that includes the safest elements, such as pedestrian crossings, and not dangerous short-cuts;
- explain the importance of wearing bright colours and reflectors to your child, and make sure that they wear the appropriate safety helmet when riding a bicycle;
- make sure your children buckle-up when in a car and understand the importance of road safety both as a pedestrian and as a passenger.
The more you can do as a parent to make sure your child understands the dangers they face, the better chance they will have of not being a road traffic accident statistic.