Children are particularly vulnerable to pedestrian death because they are exposed to traffic threats that exceed their cognitive, developmental, behavioral, physical and sensory abilities. This is worsened by the fact that parents often overestimate their children's pedestrian skills.
Children are impulsive and have difficulty judging speed, spatial relations, and distance. Auditory and visual acuity, depth perception and proper scanning ability develop gradually and do not fully mature until at least age 10. This is why the rules below are vital to keeping your child safe.
- Cross the street at the corner or at a crosswalk if there is one, and obey all traffic signals.
- Walk on a sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk; walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic.
- Walk with an adult until you are at least 10 years old
- Only cross in front of a school bus when the driver says it is safe. Do not cross behind the bus or where the driver can't see you.
- Hold an adult's hand when you cross the street. Look left, right and left again before you cross and keep looking both ways until you reach the other side.
- If you walk when it is dark, wear light-colored clothing or clothing with reflective material so drivers can see you. A flashlight is also a good idea.
- If a toy or pet goes out into the street, ask an adult for help getting it back.
- When you are outside playing, play in a backyard or playground away from the street or parking lots.
Additional Web sites:
http://www.safekids.org/
http://www.usa.safekids.org/
See PDF also:
http://www.usa.safekids.org/wtw/documents/ChildPedestrianSafetyRules.pdf [PDF, 79.2KB]
http://www.usa.safekids.org/wtw/documents/checklists.pdf [PDF, 433KB]
