Safe around roads
One act of bad driving robbed the world of a beautiful, intelligent and caring young person. Our lives have been turned upside down by our daughter's death.
Bereaved dad whose daughter was killed in a car accident
It can be hard knowing how best to teach your child to stay safe. Here we help you to break it down and keep it simple.
Pedestrians - younger children
- get young children into the habit of holding your hand or use walking reins
- ask questions while you're out to help them understand simple ideas like 'fast' and 'slow'
- you can start teaching the Green Cross Code from age 5, encouraging children to stop, look, listen and think
- they wont always remember safety rules, especially if they are excited or spot a friend scross the road
- 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
Pedestrians - older children
- children find it difficult judging the speed and distance of traffic until they are atleast 8.
- accidents peak around 12 as children start making independent journeys
- children learn by doing and practising. If they are 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 of text on their phones or listen to music while crossing the road
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 cars
Cycling
- get your child into the habit of wearing their helmet, if you cycle as a family remember to wear yours too
- look out for cycle training, many schools offer courses to help children gain practical skills
Driving
Speed is everything when it comes to a child's chance of survival. They're 3.5 times more likely to die if hit by a car doing between 30 and 40mph.
- keep an eye on your speed
- keep your phone in the glove compartment so it cannot distract you