5 Safety Rules Parents Should Teach Their Kids To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

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Thursday, 23 June 2022

Written by Jessica Smith

5 Safety Rules Parents Should Teach Their Kids To Avoid Pedestrian Accidents

Road safety is not only applied to drivers, motorists, and cyclists; they are also applied to pedestrians. It is as crucial for pedestrians as it is for other road users to use road safety whenever they are on the road. Reports from Pedestrian Safety indicate that nearly 5,000 pedestrians lost their lives from traffic-related accidents, while about 85,000 people sustained injuries.

Every road user has the right of way, so whether you are driving or walking through a pedestrian path, you must be conscious of other road users like you since Road safety is the responsibility of everyone. And Obeying road safety signs will help reduce accidents on the highways.

However, children must not be left out of the safety precautions. Parents take their children to school or on a walk daily, and kids need to know and follow road safety signs even though they are held by hand when walking. This article will consider 5 safety rules parents should teach their kids to avoid child pedestrian accidents.

Start Teaching Them Early

Usually, kids are taught how to cross the road; schools and teachers have it in their curricula to teach children about road safety. The school should have a subject that teaches about road safety to kids. The usual "look left, look right, and look left again before crossing" should be prepared for children in the classroom. Therefore, the Kids must know these tips even before starting school.

Parents who regularly take their kids to school must educate their kids on how to maintain road safety when using the pedestrian way to avoid child accidents. Teaching them early on how to use the pedestrian will help them maintain a safety mindset and grow with it. It could be catastrophic if a child is not conversant with pedestrian use.

Explain Road Safety Signs To Them

Kids who walk alone to school or are dropped off by parents to cross the pedestrian should be taught road safety signs. Many pedestrian accident cases have been reported involving school children. Hence, parents should teach their kids the meaning of each road safety sign to minimize child pedestrian accidents.

There are cases where there are no pedestrian crossings, and children must determine how to cross, especially on a busy road. Also, they should know how to interpret the traffic lights and other road signs. Or, in the absence of road traffic wardens, children must know what to do when crossing.

Do Not Run

Children often think running is the best way to cross the road or use pedestrian access. Running can be dangerous because a child can quickly run into the main road and get knocked down by a car. Due to excitement, anxiety, or fear, children run across the street or run on the pedestrian way. Parents should teach their children to stop running on the way. However, the children must walk slowly and confidently on the road. Moreover, they must understand that running does not guarantee safety, nor does it make them escape being hit.

It is also a common practice for kids to slip out of the hand of parents when on the road. A child can easily get distracted by any incident and attempt to pull away from the parent. They should be taught to avoid such behavior because it can lead to accidents.

Always Use The Sidewalks

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Even using the pedestrian way, teach your kids to maintain the sidewalks. Since you cannot tell the mental alertness of the driver, you are required to maintain a personal safety distance to avoid being brushed by a driver who may lose control.

On the other hand, drunk driving is common among drivers, and the safety of your kids is essential. So, teach your kids to maintain the sidewalks using the pedestrian way. It keeps them secure and lets drivers ensure that the kids know what they are doing. Few reports suggest drunk drivers killed about one-third of pedestrians aged 14 and older.

Do Not Cross Without Supervision

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Children below the age of 10 should not be allowed to cross an intersection alone and should be supervised. Because of their relatively little size, drivers may find it difficult to see them, especially trucks and other big vehicles. This is because children may find it difficult to judge the accurate distance of an approaching car; they are likely to cross at the wrong time. Parents should ensure that children below the age of 10 should not walk alone, not cross the road without assistance.

Such kids may not be able to interpret traffic signs. While the driver is expecting the child to stop, the child may also be expecting the driver to stop. This may lead to an accident.

Avoid Distractions While Walking On The Road

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Kids are fond of making calls or staring at something else while on the road. Parents should teach their children how to be focused and concentrate while using the pedestrian way. Reading a text message or sending one while using the pedestrian is risky. Parents should advise their kids not to indulge in such activities when crossing because it can be dangerous.

It is common to find children reading a book or glaring at a signboard while on the road. This should be discouraged and avoided. Moreover, being alert is key to walking on the road. Kids should learn to focus on the road, especially without their parents being around.

Conclusion

According to Pedestrian Safety, about 6,516 pedestrians were killed in 2020, and 55,000 were injured nationwide. Parents must see it as a duty to provide their children with all the necessary safety tips to keep them safe on the road. The key to child pedestrian safety is to teach them to understand and obey road signals at home and school. Schools and Parents should all be involved in making our kids' lives safe and secure.

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Jessica Smith BIO:

Jessica is a cannabis and health industry consultant who frequently writes about the latest trends in the industry. She has been writing for a long time now. Through her writing, she hopes to influence as many people as possible to help maintain better health and lifestyle.
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This article was submitted exclusively to CrystalWind.ca by Jessica Smith.