Walking in Traffic: What I Need to Know and Teach my Children

Children should follow these important road safety rules when walking in traffic to keep safe

Walk on the Sidewalk

• Avoid walking in traffic where there are no sidewalks/pavements

• If you have to walk on a road that does not have sidewalks, walk facing the traffic. You are not able to see approaching vehicles if you have your back to them. Do not believe that drivers will always immediately notice you – be alert to ensure that you can react quickly in the event of danger

Cross at Intersections

• Most people are hit by cars when they cross the road at places other than intersections or designated crosswalks
• You should not jaywalk. Cross only at a properly designated crosswalk or at intersections that provide facilities for pedestrians
• Many drivers don’t seem to know that pedestrians have the right of way at designated crosswalks. Therefore you should be extra cautious unless there is a points-man who stops the traffic for you to cross
• You should cross at intersections only when the pedestrian signal (little green man) indicates you may do so

Before I cross I must

• I must never run because I might fall and get run over by a vehicle

• I must never try to cross the road in between parked vehicles because the drivers of oncoming vehicles may not be able to see

I MUST REMEMBER ALWAYS

That I see and am seen

• Drivers need to see you to avoid knocking into you

• Stay out of the driver's blind spot

• Make eye contact with drivers when crossing busy streets

• Try to wear reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night. Carry a flashlight when walking in the dark.

Parents, watch your kids

• Young children should not cross streets by themselves or be allowed to play or walk near traffic. They are only unpredictable but are not capable of judging vehicle distances and speeds

• When children get older, teach them three things to do before they cross a street: (1) Cross at traffic lights (2) Stop at the kerb (3) Then look left, right, and left again before crossing

• Hold your child’s hand and position him or her on the side of you that is away from traffic. Insist that older children remain by your side and do not race on ahead

• Set a good example as children generally copy what you do and not what you tell them. Do not jaywalk and cross only at safe crossing points. Do not call out to your children to come to you from the other side of the road

• Use every walking trip as a teaching opportunity. Talk to your children about what you are doing and explain the reasons for your actions. Give them the opportunity to tell you whether they feel it is safe to cross but don’t let them do it on their own until you are absolutely sure that they are ready

• Remember that because children are much shorter than you, they may not be able to see what you are doing

• Don’t let your children play on roads – not even on quiet residential streets

back