Road Safety

Road Safety is IMPORTANT and parents need to teach their children about the Green Cross Code

STOP, LOOK and LISTEN. Children soon learn to quote road safety messages but they may not understand them. Check what they are leaning by talking to them and watching their behaviour. Do not push them too fast. Most children under 10 cannot cross the road safely on their own.

Practise crossing with them. When they are ready, let them lead you across the road. When you think they are ready allow them to cross on their own while you are watching. Start by practising at a safe place on a quiet road. Be consistent in what you both do and say so that safety becomes part of your child's daily routine.

Always set a good example of safe behaviour

Set a good example - always cross the road the way you would like your child to cross - children like to imitate adults. Help children to practise their skills. Keeping a child safe takes time - time to teach, time to get organised, time to get about.

Leave yourself enough time to be safe. Always use a safe place to cross even if it means walking a little further. Where possible keep away from parked cars so that you have a better view and drivers can see you. Leave yourself enough time to walk across safely. Do not run. Children should walk beside you on the inside of the pavement, away from the kerb. If the pavement is narrow they should walk in front of you. If there is no pavement, walk facing oncoming traffic. Explain how you have to share the road with traffic. Keep children close enough to you so that you can grab hold of them if you need to.

There is no right time when it becomes safe for children to cross roads on their own. Some risk is always involved. Children of four or five can seem very grown up and independent. However, they have a lot more to learn before they are safe on the roads. They should not be allowed out alone. Children of this age can become over confident about crossing roads. They take less care especially on familiar roads near to their home. Hold their hand and help them cross. Don't rely on them to cross alone or to wait safely next to you.

Brad Cheek 1998