Request A Free Consultation
Arizona panorama with cacti

Teaching Children To Be Safe Pedestrians

September 26, 2014 Hastings and Hastings

Teaching Children To Be Safe Pedestrians

Beginning early in teaching children to be safe pedestrians is a smart way to ensure their safety well into the teen and adult years. Best of all, teaching children to be safe pedestrians is easy and effortless and only requires following a few simple tips and strategies. For example, talking to kids about safety while walking is an effective way to convey important safety information that will not be forgotten. Explaining the importance of walking on the sidewalk can go a long way in helping children become safe pedestrians.

Crosswalks And Traffic Signals

In addition, it is essential to teach children at an early age to avoid distractions when walking near a road or in a crosswalk. Simple concepts such as looking left and right and then left again when crossing a street can be discussed while actually doing these things. It is also a good idea to get the point across at an early age that using crosswalks and traffic signals to transition across a street or road is essential in order to avoid being struck by a vehicle.

Cross The Street

For example, children should learn early on that crossing a road between parked cars may indeed spell disaster for a pedestrian. Most importantly, children under age ten should always be accompanied by an adult when crossing a street or using a crosswalk. This is due to the fact that children at a young age simply do not possess the judgment required to cross a street on their own. Because each child develops differently it is critical to always use judgment as an adult to determine whether a child possesses the safety skills required to cross a road safely.

Safe Pedestrians

Another great strategy is to simply remind children to make direct eye contact with drivers before crossing a street. Another good safety tip that sometimes goes overlooked is teaching children the importance of not jumping, playing or acting silly near the curb of a busy intersection or road. One mistake, one trip or one accident could result in a child falling into a street in front of oncoming traffic. Following these basic strategies can help to teach children to be safe pedestrians and ensure their safety for many years. Contact Hastings and Hastings for Phoenix personal injury attorneys that are focused and experienced when it comes to dealing with a wide range of pedestrian related accidents.