Our babies take their first steps and then there is no stopping them. Toddlers delight in using their new walking abilities as much as possible. As kids get older, they then crave the freedom and independence of playing outside, walking to school and being more independent. As soon as kids are on the move, parents need to start talking to them about how to be safe and to be aware while walking.
Unintentional pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. Teenagers are most at-risk for pedestrian injuries, with cell phones and other handheld gadgets often leading to distraction and greater risk on the roads. Whether your kids are just starting to walk, old enough to play outside, or walking to school, there are ways that we can educate our kids and help keep them safe. Here are some tips.
- Instruct kids at an early age to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. Then remind them to continue looking until safely across.
- Children under 10 years old should cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, it can be hard for kids to judge speed and distance of cars until age 10.
- Teach kids to put phones, headphones, and devices down when crossing the street. It is particularly important to reinforce this message with teenagers.
- It is always best to walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
- Cross streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Most injuries happen mid-block or someplace other than intersections.
- Remind kids to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them and to watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.
- Be a good role model for your child. Set a good example by following these safety tips when you are walking with your kids.