05/10/2023
WALKING SAFELY ON SIDEWALKS
Children should always walk on the sidewalk, in the direction of oncoming traffic (itβs easier to get out of the way of trouble if you see it coming toward you), as far from the curb as possible. Model this behavior and then when you walk together hold hands to help your child avoid running.
STOP, LOOK, & LISTEN
When crossing the street, itβs important for your child to understand how important it is to stop, look both ways, and listen for oncoming cars before crossing the street.
How to make this a road safety game:
Set up a road using toy train tracks or simply draw a road on paper. Then, have your child use a toy, like an action figure, to wait to cross the street as you run cars by. This lets them practice what it means to stop, look, and listen until it becomes more second nature.
Make a game at stopping when out on a walk where your child has to stomp their feet at the corner before they cross. This teaches them to come to a complete stop.
LEARNING TO USE THE CROSSWALK
The crosswalk can be scary for kids as well as parents who are afraid their children will forget the safety lessons. Fortunately, they already know to come to a complete stop, look, and listen. Just because the crosswalk is safer for pedestrians doesnβt mean drivers donβt make mistakes so the rules still apply.
