Traffic and children don't always mix well. According to Safe Kids USA, pedestrian injuries are the second leading cause of death for children 5 to 14 years old. Children on bicycles are also at risk of injury. Teaching children road safety tips can help prevent accidents, injuries and deaths.
Obey Traffic Signals
Even young children can learn the shapes of road signs and colors of traffic lights. Safe Kids USA suggests that parents teach their children to obey traffic signals and learn when it's safe to cross the street.
Wear a Helmet
Children should wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, skating or skateboarding. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of a serious head injury by as much as 85 percent.
Walk Facing Traffic
If a street doesn't have a sidewalk, children should walk to the left, facing traffic. This allows them to see oncoming traffic and move further out of the way if they need to.
Stay Visible
Children should wear reflective clothing at dusk or if they're out after dark. You can purchase shoes and outerwear with reflective strips to make children more visible to passing motorists. Add lights and reflective strips to bicycles.
Cross at Corners and Crosswalks
Teach children to cross the street at the corner, preferably in a marked crosswalk. Even if signals indicate it's safe to walk, instruct children to look both ways and make sure no traffic is approaching before they step into the street. They should never step out from between parked cars; oncoming drivers may not seem them until it's too late.
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