Child Safety in Crossing Streets
“Stop, look, and listen.” This song and the numerous other street safety songs are not just created to teach babies their first actions songs. These are basically taught to introduce to children the basic concepts of child safety in crossing streets. Of course, these songs will not be effective at all if parents will not teach their children how to apply the songs in real life.
Children may have an idea that roads can be dangerous. But they don’t have a clear understanding on just how extent the dangers can be, unless they actually see someone being run over by a car. It is a good start to let them learn the street songs and supervise their street crossing practices in the neighborhood. This way, they are putting the songs into action and will remember the important tips on child safety in crossing streets.
Educate children on what the traffic lights mean. Teach them about the do’s and don’ts that pedestrians must adhere to. It is a good idea to tell the children to ask an adult to help them cross the streets or wait for an adult who will be willing to cross the streets with them.
Child safety in crossing streets is a bit difficult. Even if you have gone over the different traffic signs, road signs, and car warnings (horns, lights, and sirens) with your child, there are always accidents that are very unpredictable just waiting to happen. This means that your child may be practicing child safety in crossing streets, but then a drunk driver had to come by and mess up everything that you have ever made your child learn.
Your child may have been practicing child safety in crossing streets with you more than a dozen times but he does not have the means to accurately tell the speed or distance of oncoming car. That is why children below 11 years old should cross the streets with an adult. Most importantly, kids should never be allowed to cross the streets or play near one when it’s dark.
Children who are taking the bus should be taught not to immediately cross the street right after getting down. Child safety in crossing streets should not exempt those that are riding the bicycles or skates. These children are more prone to figure in road accidents as they are concentrating more on their bikes and skates rather then the oncoming traffic. They should wear their helmets and should stay along bike routes to avoid accidents.
There is just one great rule that basically works well for everybody – adults included. Sometimes, accidents happen because people cross streets even if they are not sure it’s safe. So a general rule to follow should be “when in doubt, don’t”.