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This week is Child safety week. Here are some top tips for: Keeping children road safe Pedestrians – younger children Get young child into the habit of holding your hand or using walking reinsstart teaching the Green Cross Code as soon as possible, encouraging children to stop, look, listen and think. They won’t always remember safety rules, especially if they’re excited or spot a friend across the road so remind them saying it out loud and remember:Children will copy what you do, so try to avoid stepping into the road without checking for traffic first. If you can do the right thing, it will help them get into good habits. Lead by example. Pedestrians – older children Children find it difficult judging the speed and distance of traffic until they’re at least eight. Accidents peak around 12, as children start making independent journeys – reiterate to them often about taking care and time to cross the road. Children learn by doing and practising. If they’re moving to a new school, help them practise the route over the holidays. Where are the safe places to cross? What should they do if they see their bus and they’re on the other side of the road?They can be mesmerised by their mobiles, so remind them not to talk or text on their phones or listen to music while crossing the road.Find out where they are going and agree time they will be back. Remind them of any danger points you are aware of on the route to the place they are going. Cycling/ scootering Get your child into the habit of wearing their helmet.Let them choose their helmet, perhaps decorate with stickers of their choice so they are happy with it. If you cycle as a family, remember to wear your helmet too – lead by exampleLook out for cycle training. Many schools offer courses to help children gain practical skills.Ensure they have lights and are wearing something reflective if it is going to be dark or getting dark when they go out or Check the bike over – see attached picture for points to check.
BE SEEN BE SAFE!  
In the car Make sure your car seat is the right one for your child’s height and weight and for your car - not all seats fit all carsEnsure everybody wears a seatbelt. Do not move the car until everybody is seated safely and seatbelts are on.Driving speed is everything when it comes to a child’s chances of survival. They’re 3.5 times more likely to die if hit by a car doing between 30-40 mph. Keep an eye on your speed Keep your phone in the glove compartment so it can’t distract you.Take care where you park – remember children are harder to see due to their height and will need to cross the road safely. Always be open and honest with your child about the dangers – explain the reason for wearing helmet, seatbelt, holding hand, using a safe crossing point and so on. Always lead by example. If you are safe – children are much more likely to be safe too! |
