It's understandable that parents are concerned about the safety of their children this summer with increased traffic and more time for kids to play outside everyone needs to be vigilant and take steps to keep our baby's safe when playing or riding bikes around the neighborhood. Slowing down and watching out for kids on residential streets is crucial and the amount of people we see zooming around and all distracted is concerning. Parents and guardians need to teach kids about road safety and supervise them when possible, but we can't keep our eyes on them all day every day! The next best thing to eyes in the back of your head is having your own superhero children at play sign looking out for you, making sure to alert drivers that our kids are around!
Here are some helpful tips!
Talk to your kids about road safety and not playing on or near the road: It's important to have a conversation with your kids about the potential dangers of playing on or near the road, and to establish clear boundaries for where they can play. Reinforce the message that the road is for cars and that they should not play there.
Teach your kids to ask an adult for help retrieving toys that roll into the street or driveway: This is an important lesson to teach kids so that they don't run out into the street to retrieve a toy.
Make helmets a rule: Helmets are essential for protecting your child's head in the event of a fall or accident. Make sure your child wears a helmet every time they ride a bike, skateboard, scooter, or any other wheeled toy. Adding lights and reflectors to the helmet can also help make your child more visible to drivers.
Show your kids how to cross the street at an intersection and marked crosswalk: Teach your child to cross at a marked crosswalk and to look both ways before crossing. Make sure they wait until the cars have come to a full stop and that they make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
Remind your kids to never cross the street between parked cars, or in the middle of a street: Crossing between parked cars can be dangerous because drivers may not see your child. Encourage your child to use crosswalks and to cross at intersections.
If there are no sidewalks, kids should walk in a single file, away from the road, facing traffic: Walking in a single file facing traffic can help your child see oncoming cars and avoid potential accidents.
Supervise younger kids and check-in frequently even with older kids: Younger kids may need closer supervision, but it's important to check in with older kids as well. Make sure they are following the rules and staying safe.
By taking these steps and being proactive about road safety, we can help prevent accidents and keep kids safe while they enjoy the outdoors.
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