Children who ride, run, walk and play outside have the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and get some exercise. When your child bikes or walks on the road, there are fast-moving cars to contend with. Teaching your child road safety rules can help him avoid being the victim of an accident and give him independence as he grows older.
Traffic Signals
Teaching your child the meaning of traffic signals is an important step in developing her understanding of the rules of the road. For a very young child, make learning the meaning of red, yellow and green lights fun and engaging. Spread a graham cracker with fat-free cream cheese. Show your child how to place a red, yellow and green chocolate candy in a line on the cracker to represent the colors of a traffic signal. With older children, explain that the traffic signal lights not only help driver's maneuver through busy streets, but also show pedestrians when it is safe to cross busy intersections.
Crossing the Street
Young children have a difficult time understanding the dangers of a busy road. The University of Pittsburgh recommends teaching your child to cross the street safely in steps. Explain to your child that he must stop always at the side of the street before crossing. Show him how to stop, look both ways and listen for cars before he moves. Do not let him cross alone until he exhibits self-control. Stress to him the importance of never running after a ball or animal that runs or rolls into the street without first stopping and looking for oncoming cars. Set consequences for disobeying, such as not allowing him to play outside for a period of time. As he gets older, teach him how to cross in crosswalks or at intersections and to make eye contact with drivers before he steps out into the road.
Bicycle Safety
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, children younger than 16 years old made up 18 percent of all the bicycle fatalities in 2005. Teach your child basic road safety rules beginning with insisting she wear a helmet. Explain that cyclists ride in the same direction as vehicular traffic and that she should stay close to the side of the road. Tell her to stop at stop signs and use hand signals when turning and stopping. Buy her brightly colored shirts and jackets to wear when she rides on the road so she will be easily visible to drivers. Do not allow her to ride at night.
Walking on the Road
Walking safely on the road is a skill you can teach your child. At first, always hold your child's hand as you walk on a sidewalk or anywhere near a trafficked road. Before a child is 4 or 5 years old, he does not have the understanding required to walk along the road by himself. If a sidewalk is available, your child should walk on the sidewalk. If not, teach him to walk close to the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic. This enables him to observe cars as they approach him. Show him how to be aware of parked cars, which may unexpectedly pull out into traffic. Before allowing him to walk alone, observe his skills until you are confident he knows how to stay safe. Discourage him from walking at night.
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