Child Safety Tips

One of the primary rules of the road to teach your children is "Stop, Look, and Listen.” These added tips will help support this rule and give extra safety tips to use and instruct children with:

Always look left and right and be cautious when crossing at an intersections or crosswalk It is vital to not simply watch for vehicles waiting at the intersection but also any nearing vehicles and bicycles.
It is also important to be alert for turning vehicles when walking across an intersection at a green traffic light.
Look vehicles’ drivers in the eye to ensure that they have spotted you and that all vehicles have stopped completely, prior to walking across a crosswalk or intersection.
Always emphasize and show safety rules when strolling with children by yourself because anyone could be watching you.
Avoid and never get into a stranger’s vehicle.
Children must consistently inform parents about where they will go. Adults must consistently supply notes at home before leaving for a walk. The note should include course and destination, in case an emergency occurs while they are out.
Instruct children to walk in secure regions. They should avoid parking lots, paths through forested areas, hectic roads, isolated areas and loose pebbles,
Never allow children to walk alone in the evening.
Sport vivid or reflective attire for walks in the evening.
Keep an eye out for bicyclists.
Walk exclusively across intersections and crosswalks. Never cross the street between parked vehicles and intersections.
Be conscious of lanes and driveways. Look left and right and stop prior to crossing. It is particularly vital that children learn this process.
In the case of walking on roads that lack sidewalks consistently walk on the side of the road that faces approaching traffic and as close to the curb as possible.
Avoid ditches, streams, rivers, and ponds. see First Aid Safety Tips from St. John's Ambulance - Dangers of Spring Rivers.
Avoid all buses, such as school buses.
After hearing a siren, move as far as possible away from the road. Then stay there until the emergency vehicle has passed, prior to resuming your walk.
Children less than nine-years-old should be accompanied.
Stop completely at all stop signs and observe all other road signs.
Obey all traffic signals as you walk across intersections. Never dart across an intersection.
Never walk along or on bridges or railroad tracks.
Be cautious when walking across railroad tracks. Never cross railroad tracks when you hear the whistle of a train or you see flashing signals.
Children may be attracted to puppies or dogs. However, it is never too early to instruct children to avoid strange dogs, even if a leash is attached to them and the owner gives permission. It is possible for even familiar dogs to become dangerous.
Be cautious when using umbrellas. Sharp points can harm one’s eyes.
Immediately locate indoor shelter when thunderstorms strike. Also, learn the weather forecast before going out.
Never toss balls while walking.
Create walking routes that are the proper length for the youngest walker.
Contact your local government offices, health departments, and libraries for programs, guides, and booklets regarding road safety.
Practice playground safety if part of a walk includes visiting a playground. Review Playground Safety Tips
Verify that children's outwear lacks drawstrings. Review Danger of Strangulation from Drawstrings on Children's Outerwear

These tips are only recommendations. We have attempted to provide parents with a list of suggestions to keep their children safe when traveling. However, no list is exhaustive, and it is ultimately the parents’ responsibility to maintain their children’s safety.