Kids are unaware and are dependent on their parents, but its the duty of parents to teach kids about the rules and regulations, especially around road safety.
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report for 2014, 3% of the people who died due to road accidents were children. Statistics also show that 480 kids were injured every day due to road accidents in the same year. A fact that is even more disturbing is that of the 4,884 pedestrians who were killed in road accidents, 207 were kids. So, it is time to teach kids about how safety on the road is extremely very essential on a daily basis.
Right, Left, Right
Help your kid learn about the traffic lights and signs, and what each color indicates.
- Green means ‘go’: Only when the signal turns ‘green’, vehicles move ahead.
- Red means to ‘stop’: When the signal turns red, all the vehicles have to stop.
- Yellow means to slow down: When the signal turns yellow, vehicles should slow down and prepare to stop.
- The ‘Walk’ or a walking man symbol at intersections are for pedestrians. Cross the road only if these signs turn green. But look to the left and right to ensure no vehicles are approaching.
- Never cross the road if the sign says ‘Don’t Walk’ or if the walking man symbol turns red.
Before crossing the road, look right then left and then right again to amplify the traffic accordingly.
Pay Attention – Listen
Teach kids that they may not always be able to see a vehicle that is coming towards them, especially if they are standing near a bend. Therefore, they should listen to know if a vehicle is approaching. Cars and other vehicles on the road often use the “horn” at bends and at unmanned intersections to indicate that they are nearing.
It is extremely essential to listen as there are quiet many bends on the road and there might even be a vehicle that is coming at a speeding rate from afar, so don’t forget to listen.
Use Sidewalks
Teach your kids to use the sidewalk when walking on the road. Set an example for them by using the walking paths yourself. Whether it is a busy street or not, encourage your kid to use the sidewalk to stay safe on the road.
Never Stick Hands Outside The Vehicle
Kids tend to put their hands out of the school bus even when it is moving. Some of them may even put their head out to look back and wave. This is common with students taking the school bus. It may seem like a fun idea but sticking hands or head out of a moving vehicle can be highly dangerous. If children are not careful, they could be hit by vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.
Be Seen, Stay Safe
Dressing in black may be a bad idea when you want to walk at night. It is important that vehicle drivers notice you if you want to stay safe. To be seen:
- Wear light colored clothes or reflective material when walking or biking at night.
- Wear bright clothes during the day.
- Wave your hand if you want to indicate your presence to an incoming vehicle.
So, keep yourself and your kids safe by taking safety measures.