Teaching road safety for children isn’t an easy task, especially since most kids prefer to run as fast they can, as long as they can and in whatever direction they happen to feel like. But, instilling the basics of road safety as young as possible can only encourage the development of good safety habits.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Use specific directions.
Give children very specific directions on how to handle themselves in the parking lot – or hold their hand constantly (a tactic that doesn’t work for moms or dads with three or more kids). A clear direction might be “keep your hand on the car” instead of “don’t run through the parking lot.”
Beware of driveways.
Cars backing out of driveways can’t see little children. Be sure to warn your kids – whether they are walking or riding a bike – to remain cautious of people backing out of their driveways.
Get a sign.
If your kids are playing in the street, even if it is a relatively quiet cul-de-sac, consider purchasing a sign that will warn drivers children are playing nearby.
Stop, Look and Listen.
Teach kids to stop at the street, look both ways and then listen for cars.
Be a role model.
Demonstrate good pedestrian safety habits, such as crossing the street on designated paths, and the kids might be more likely to follow your good example.
Teach colors.
Even young children can learn that red (for stop signs and traffic lights, for example) means stop while green means go.