The safety and well-being of their children is the primary concern for a parent. In this age, the world is gripped with numerous issues with traffic congestion. Therefore, it's necessary for parents to teach their children about road safety.
Children should be taught basic life skills as it keeps them safe on the road when they are crossing the street, going to school, playing outside their house, or pedestrian safety, which equips them with essential life skills.
In this article, we will share tips and strategies through which parents can ensure their child's safety on the road and get around easily.
The Risk Of Traffic Congestion
We must first understand the risks of traffic congestion. A report by the World Health Organization concluded that the leading cause of death in young adults and children (5-29 years) is road traffic injuries. However, these untoward incidents can be avoided if the safety instructions are followed.
Small children get involved in road accidents as they lack the ability to determine the speed and distance of the vehicle that could hit them. However, we cannot fully blame the drivers for such mishaps as they are less visible because of their small stature. Such incidents highlight the importance of understanding road safety from an early age.
It is important for parents to teach their children about pedestrian safety as soon as they can walk independently. Studies have shown that toddlers can understand basic concepts through repetitive behaviors of their elders.
We can begin by holding their hands when walking close to traffic, stopping at a turn and sidewalk. Use simple language to explain why it is necessary. These lessons should be reinforced for children in the future, even if they may need help from a personal injury lawyer located in the Denver metropolitan area.
However, parents also have a responsibility of exhibiting model road safety behavior in front of their children. They can show techniques for safely crossing roads, looking both ways of the street, inspecting the intersection and looking at the "walk" signals.
It is dangerous to use a cell phone while crossing the street. It sets a bad example of not prioritizing road safety. The model behavior is to recognize the importance of staying alert and vigilant in this manner.
ABCs Of Pedestrian Safety
Children are able to remember instructions when mnemonic devices are used. The parents and children can practice the above mentioned remember and reinforces key concepts. However, the ABCs of road safety should always be reinforced in the children.
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A stands for "Awareness," as children should be aware of how traffic can be dangerous for their well-being
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B stands for "Behaviour," and they have to follow road safety protocols to avoid mishaps (things you should do to stay safer)
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C is for "Choice." It is for determining and letting others know the safer options for ensuring road safety.
Useful Techniques For Road Safety
Safe road-crossing techniques can be practiced once the children understand the basics of road safety. We can do so by going on walks and giving children opportunities to practice the cross techniques. The parents can start by making children cross streets in quieter neighborhoods before moving on to busy intersections.
It is necessary for children to be taught the necessity for eye contact with drivers when crossing the streets and it's necessary for them as drivers may not notice pedestrians, especially when turning right. Role-playing scenarios are a handy method for reinforcing road safety techniques among small children.
Moreover, parents should teach their children about dangers of the road and how to stay alert especially when they walk on the street without looking or finding themselves where cars are constantly moving.
It's important for parents to set restrictions on children to keep them safe as pedestrians. We should let them know about their expectations for independent walking on the road. There should be boundaries for children where they play and walk depending on how busy the traffic is and the street limits. Open communication is necessary as it helps in critical thinking.
You Need To Stay Safe On The Roads Today
To sum up, parents can ensure the well-being and empowerment of their children responsibly and confidently with the ABCs of road safety. There are numerous techniques which can keep children safe from accidents, even if they have been injured.
A culture of safety can be fostered by raising awareness, as parents and their children can collaborate to make the streets and communities safe.
