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Road Safety for Kids

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Children are the most vulnerable age group when it comes to the road. Their desire to explore their surroundings can lead them directly into dangerous situations, and this is why it’s so critical that you go over road safety with them. You want everyone to be safe and healthy, and taking time out to establish a few guidelines never hurts.

  1. Plan on assisting your child around the road until they’re at least 10 years old. This is the age where they start to develop enough awareness to know what to do in critical situations.
  2. Put your kids in child safety seats that are the correct size for their age, height and weight. You should upgrade these safety seats until your child grows out of them altogether, as these seats offer valuable protection in the event of an accident.
  3. Stress the importance of using the safety door. This is the rear door that is closest to the kerb when you park your car. Your child should use this door to both exit and enter the car, as it is furthest from traffic.
  4. Teach your child to never stick their extremities outside of a moving vehicle. They may be tempted to do so if they ride the bus to and from school, but this can be seriously dangerous, and can even result in the loss of a limb or worse if they hit something at speed.
  5. Your child should never cross the road at a bend. This is a blind spot for motorists in both directions, and the risk of an accident is high here.
  6. When your child rides their bicycle along the road, they should always wear the proper safety equipment, including a helmet. You should also ensure that your child’s bicycle is in great working condition.
  7. You want to be sure that your child understands the traffic light colours. Green is go, yellow is slow down and red is stop. They should also understand pedestrian crossing signs. When they see a figure that’s walking, it’s safe to cross.
  8. Finally, your child should learn to well away from the street. They also shouldn’t play on the pavement because it’s easy for them to wander into the street without realising it.

These eight quick tips can help keep your kids safe when they’re on or around the roads. Teaching them early can help carry these lessons well into adulthood.