Very young children need to learn about traffic and understand that it can be dangerous. Research shows that young children can't judge how fast vehicles are going or how far away they are. Talking about traffic with your child when you're out and about is one of the best ways for them to learn.Every week, on average 9 children under the age of 6 are killed or seriously injured on Great Britain’s roads. But it’s still important for children to be outside.Parents and carers play a vital part in teaching children how to cross the road safely. Even from a young age it's essential to set a good example and to help your child understand why we need to stop, look and listen before stepping onto a road.
- Always explain to your child why they need to stop, look and listen when crossing the road
- Talk about safer places to cross and how it's harder to see where there are parked cars, junctions, bends or the brow of a hill
- Help your child to learn the names of the different crossings, such as zebras, puffins, toucans & pelicans
- Holding hands with your child, show them how to stop at the kerb, look all around and listen for traffic
- Don’t use your mobile phone while crossing the road
- When there is no traffic coming, walk straight across (not diagonally) and keep looking and listening
