How to Teach Children Pedestrian Safety Rules

Teaching kids safety rules when walking is one of the best things you can do to ensure their safety.

Teaching children pedestrian safety rules is one of the most important things you can do for them. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young children often cannot judge the speed, distance and size of oncoming vehicles. In addition, understanding safety rules hinges upon understanding safety signs. If children are not aware of what signs mean, they are in danger. Teaching them to be safe when walking beside or on busy roads is of vital importance.

Instructions

1. 

   Have discussions with your child about safety rules.

   Introduce the rules slowly and individually. One of the first rules many children learn is to look both ways before crossing the street. Rules such as this one are appropriate to introduce initially.

2. 

   Even though your child knows the rules, you have to repeat them for learning to take place.

   Repeat the rule after you introduce it. Remind your child to look both ways before crossing the street every single time you come up to the street. Stop reminding the child when you notice him doing it without prompting every time.

3. 

   Colored flashcards help children learn the different colors that have meaning in traffic signs.

   Teach children what colors in traffic signs mean with flashcards. Use a yellow flashcard with the word "Slow" on it. Use a red flashcard with the word "Stop" on it. Use a green flashcard with the word "Go" on it. Show these to your child repeatedly until he knows them by sight, and pick out what different traffic signs mean on your walks.

4. 

   Don't let your child walk alone. He will never learn the rules that way and will likely be unsafe.

   Accompany your child when walking around a busy street. This is the most important part of teaching him traffic safety rules. You cannot teach him if you are not with him. Do not let him go out on his own until you are confident he knows all traffic safety laws.

Tips & Warnings

• Take a digital camera when you go on walks and photograph signs or road markings your child isn't familiar with. Then, when you get home, go over them until he knows them by sight. Being involved in taking the photos will help him remember them better.

• Always accompany your child until you are confident he is making safe choices when walking.

References

• Safety Tips for Kids