"USA Today" reports that someone is injured in a pedestrian related traffic accident every nine minutes in the United States. This is a frightening statistic. Because a parent cannot always be present, teaching a child how to use a crosswalk can encourage safety in their absence. Even though drivers should always yield to pedestrians, carelessness can lead to accidents. Therefore it is up to a child to protect herself when crossing the road.
Benefits of Crosswalk Safety
According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, children who learn how to safely use crosswalks decrease the risk of accidents or injury. Even though automobile-pedestrian accidents are fairly rare, accidents can and do happen. With vehicles traveling at speeds of 30 mph or more, accidents can result in severe injury. A child who understands crosswalk safety can improve his chances of arriving at his destination quickly and safely.
Rules
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation warns that not all drivers will stop at crosswalks as they are supposed to do. A child should always follow the "walk" and "don't walk" signals of a crosswalk. Be sure to look to the left, right and then left again before stepping into the street. Wait until all cars have stopped and attempt to make eye contact with drivers. A child should look around and listen as he crosses, checking for any cars entering the intersection.
Teach
There are a variety of ways a parent can teach crosswalk safety to children. A parent can invent her own songs, games or puzzles about crosswalk safety. Many websites, like that of the Government of Alberta, also offer color sheets, word searches, mazes and other games that are all designed to teach kids pedestrian safety. A parent can also lead by example and illustrate the correct ways to use a crosswalk. Practice together and give reminders often.
Tips
Teach children to stay inside the lines of a crosswalk. The Government of Alberta says that if no crosswalk is available, teach a child to cross at street corners instead of the middle of the road. She should point in the direction that she would like to walk. Wait until all cars are stopped before cautiously proceeding. Keep arms extended while crossing and stay observant.
Warnings
The City of San Jose Street Smarts teaches a child to give himself plenty of time to use a crosswalk. Do not start crossing an intersection when the pedestrian signal is flashing. Explain to a child that it is not appropriate to wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while using a crosswalk. Doing so can cause a distraction that may lead to an accident. In addition, a child should use patience when waiting for and using a crosswalk.
Member Comments