Teaching children about road safety is one of the most important lessons we can offer as parents and guardians. Whether they’re walking to school, a friend’s house or just enjoying a stroll in the neighbourhood, building awareness and good habits at an early age helps lay the groundwork for a lifetime of safe behaviours. In this article, we'll explore practical tips and habits to teach children about road safety, alternating between important do's and don'ts.
It’s never too early to start talking about road safety with your child. As soon as your child begins walking, you can introduce them to basic concepts like staying on the pavement and walking on the side farthest from traffic. Teaching them to stop at the kerb, hold hands and wait for an adult before crossing the road are foundational lessons that will benefit them for years to come.
Start-Rite offers a helpful guide on what age kids can walk to school independently. Knowing when your child is ready for this milestone is an important part of ensuring their safety.
Children are naturally curious, but they don’t have the developed sense of danger that adults do. Don’t assume they’ll understand the risks associated with roads, cars and crossings without clear explanations and hands-on guidance. Take the time to point out potential dangers, such as cars pulling out of driveways or cyclists moving quickly through pedestrian zones.
The ‘Stop, Look, Listen, and Think’ rule is a vital sequence for all pedestrians to learn, especially young children. Here’s how to break it down:
By practising this routine every time you cross the street, your child will internalise the habit and become more aware of their surroundings. You can find more road safety tips like these in Start-Rite’s article on the benefits of walking to school.
Even when it seems like there’s no traffic, teach your child that rushing across roads is dangerous. Speeding to beat an oncoming car or running across to catch up with friends can result in accidents. Encourage them to take their time, ensuring the road is clear before crossing.
Make it a habit to cross at designated pedestrian crossings, such as zebra crossings or traffic light-controlled crossings, where drivers are more likely to stop. These locations are safer, and drivers are more aware of pedestrians. Explain how to use these crossings properly, waiting for the green man or ensuring cars come to a complete stop before stepping out.
One of the riskiest places to cross is between parked cars, where drivers may not see pedestrians until it is too late. Teach your child to avoid these spots and opt for open spaces or designated crossings where they can clearly see oncoming traffic.
Road safety doesn’t have to be a boring subject, turning lessons into games can make learning more engaging. For instance, let your child be responsible for pressing the button at pedestrian crossings, or play games like counting the number of red or green lights. These little activities help them stay focused and excited about following the rules.
Interactive learning helps reinforce good habits, making it more likely that they’ll remember what you’ve taught them when they’re walking to school or other activities.
Especially during the winter months, visibility is key. When it’s dark or cloudy, children can be harder to spot by drivers. Make sure your child wears bright, reflective clothing or backpacks. Remind them why being visible is crucial for their safety, especially when crossing roads or walking along streets with limited lighting.
Clothing and backpacks aren’t the only options to help your child stay visible in low light conditions. Choosing school shoes that feature reflective panels, such as our boys’ Strike style, means your little ones will be that much easier to see when walking to and from school in the darker months.
Children learn road safety by watching you. Set a positive example by always using pedestrian crossings, following the 'Stop, Look, Listen, and Think' rule, and staying alert near traffic. By practising these safe habits, you help your child develop the same awareness.
Teach your child the dangers of being distracted by phones, toys or even conversations while walking near roads. Explain the importance of staying alert and keeping their focus on the traffic around them. Encouraging them to look up and pay attention can prevent accidents caused by distractions.
By following these simple do's and don’ts, you can help your child develop essential road safety skills that will keep them safe on their journey to school and beyond. From starting early to making lessons fun and interactive, every bit of guidance you offer will help them to navigate roads confidently and cautiously. Road safety is an ongoing process, so continue to reinforce these habits regularly and make it a part of your daily routine.
To help keep your child comfortable and distraction-free on their way to school, be sure to explore Start-Rite's collection of supportive school shoes designed for comfort and durability. Together, we can ensure that our children grow up with a strong sense of road awareness and safety!
Author: Vista, published 16-10-2024.
