 |
Select From
|
 |
|
 |
|
Parents - your child's best road safety teacher is You! Basic road safety can only be taught in the street. It is your responsibility as a parent to teach your child the basic skills.
What to do?
Teach by example. If you use road safety skills your child will learn. Make sure that anyone else who looks after your child and who takes him/her onto the road also sets a good example. That includes Grand-parents, child-minders, older brothers and sisters.
Children develop at different rates so only you can decide when they are ready to move to the next level of learning.
Ages 1 to 4
Never let your child under 5 go out alone, as they cannot cope with traffic. Not even with an older child. Don't let them play near or in a road, choose somewhere safe for them. When out, keep your child on the inside of the pavement, holding tight to their reins or hand, if they are not in a pushchair. Explain about the dangers of traffic, playing in or crossing the road, and start to teach them the Green Cross Code. After all you probably learnt it from your parents when you were little.
Between 5 to 6
The children should now be able to learn and repeat the Green Cross Code. Practice on quiet roads near home, first showing them what to do and then letting them show you what they have learnt.
Ages 7 to 9
Children should be able to carry out the Green Cross Code. They should know and understand it. The age at which a child fully understands the code can vary. However, children cannot estimate the speed or distance of the traffic so again it is very important they understand the code and the care needed to cross a road.
And don't forget, reflective and fluorescent clothing does help reduce the risk of accidents. Explain to children why they should be wearing them.
Ages 10 to 15
It doesn't matter what age your children are, continue to tell them of the dangers of traffic. Children between 12 and 15 are the most at risk of being seriously injured or even killed on the road. Talk to them, maturely about the dangers and how they think they should behave when crossing the road. Check out the route to school and discuss how they can handle the dangerous parts, if any, of the journey.
Check that the school reinforces road safety education for both pedestrians and cyclists.
|
| |
| Back |
|
Author: Ann Brady
Copyright www.exercise.co.uk
2001
|
Copyright Exercise, Fitness & Leisure 2001
No information on this site can be used for commercial purposes without the prior approval
of E.F.L All rights reserved
www.exercise.co.uk is brought to you by the Sevens/Yasp
agency
|
|
|
| |
