Child road safety is a topic of great concern, especially on Indian roads. It’s a fact that road accidents impact everyone, including children. And so, it is crucial that parents should teach their children how to use the roads safely. Whether as a pedestrian, cyclist or as a passenger, or even in a car or on public transport, kids should be taught to stay safe.
They should also learn the importance of where to play safely, away from traffic and roads. Here are certain points that you, as a parent can teach your kids about road safety.
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The right road crossing procedure – It is crucial that the kids should be taught a step by step way to cross the road safely. Steps may include staying one step back from the footpath before crossing, looking in all directions for approaching traffic and crossing only when it is safe to cross the road.
Kids should also be familiar with pedestrian (zebra) crossing and pedestrian traffic lights. In roads where there are no crossings available, they should be trained to choose a safe place. The place should be the one where vehicles and traffic signals are clearly visible. Make them familiar with traffic signals. Teach them to only cross when they can see the green WALK sign and never cross when they can see a red DON’T WALK sign.
Awareness about headphones – Parents should teach them about the disadvantage of using headphones when using roads. Listening to music or talking via phone while crossing may make it difficult to hear oncoming traffic, resulting in accidents. In case if they would like to listen to music while walking, encourage them to keep music at a reasonable volume and only use one headphone.
Let them know about driveway dangers – Learn them about the importance of being careful around driveways and ask them to stop at driveways when they are walking to check if there are cars coming in or out. They should be aware about playing behind cars. Teach them that while reversing the car, they should make sure to check there are no children or any other pedestrians nearby.
Bike safety at roads – Most bike accidents that involve kids are due to lack of experience and careless driving. So, while teaching bike riding, make sure your child learns it on the road itself under the supervision of an experienced adult. Supervision is essential until he or she understand the road rules and can exhibit good bicycle control. Teach them the importance of wearing helmets while riding and how it can save their lives in an accident.
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Safety with other wheeled devices – Other wheeled devices such as roller skates and skateboards needs to be used safely on road. If your kids are using them, make sure they are traveling within the recommended speed limit. They must be taught to keep to the far left side when traveling on a road or footpath. Also ensure they are wearing a helmet, shoes and other protective clothing such as knee and elbow pads and wrist guards to prevent injuries.
Cycling safety concerns – Before riding on roads, children should be given proper cycle training. The training should also include practical on-road cycling under supervision, thus obtaining real world experience. They should be forced to use cycle helmet at all times. Show the latest news that comes in media, where other kids are saved from accidents by wearing one.
Make them environment-friendly – While usage of cars and other private vehicles are increasing, you should also teach your kids of the environmentally-friendly modes of transport such as walking, cycling, car pooling and catching public transport. Make them understand how these modes can benefit the nature.
Child road safety is crucial for your children’s freedom, and development, of course they should be trained to use their roads with respect.
