The National Safety Commission Alerts

Safety is No Accident. Visit the National Safety Commission - America's Safety Headquarters for driver safety information, auto recalls and teen safe driver tips.

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Child Road Safety 101

How to Keep Your Child Safe From Harm's Way on the Road

Today's parents are so busy trying to provide for their children that they sometimes overlook a few of the more important, but perhaps not so obvious aspects of parenting, such as road safety. From the time they start walking, children are at risk of road accidents. Thus, beginning in preschool, enforcing some dos and don'ts can make a big difference.

With persuasion and adult supervision, children can learn to be safe on our roads. These guidelines will help you keep your child safe:
  • Teach your children that it is safer to stand on the sidewalk, not in the road, while waiting to cross the road.
  • Because children below the age of 10 cannot judge speed, the distance of approaching vehicles, and the direction of sounds accurately, they are not capable of crossing the road safely on their own. Be sure an adult who is firmly holding the child's hand always accompanies your child across the street.
  • Teach your child that overhead bridges, zebra crossings and traffic light junctions are safe areas to cross roads. Crossing a road any other way can lead to a tragedy.
  • If your child walks home alone after school, insist that he/she faces traffic while walking, so that he/she can anticipate approaching vehicles.
  • Do not ever allow your children to play on the road. Chances are good that they will be so involved in play that they will not notice approaching vehicles.
  • Children who live near busy roads should be brightly dressed to increase their visibility to drivers.
  • Always ensure that children are securely strapped in an appropriate child seat or a seat belt. Use the child lock or window lock provided in most cars to avoid accidental opening of the door or windows.
Driver education helps increase driving safety awareness and ensures the well being of American drivers. The National Safety Commission recommends The Driver Education Handbook for Parents as a valuable teaching tool for parents who are concerned with their teen's driving safety and understand the value of quality instruction.

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The National Safety Commission, Inc.
PO Box 3359
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32004-3359

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