06:00, 17 November 2024
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Whether you can drive or not, cars are a huge part of daily life in the 21st century - so much so, that it can be hard to remember just how aware of them we need to be.
They’re convenient and helpful in many ways, but they can also be dangerous - especially for children who can lack experience and understanding around road traffic.
For the UN’s World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, here are four tips to remember to help keep your child safe around traffic.
It is so important to dress your children in appropriate clothing colours - especially during winter, or when there’s a risk of them walking in the dark. In the picture below, shared on Facebook, there is a child in the same place in both images - the only difference is the colour of their clothing.
By putting your children in white or bright colours, they are more likely to be spotted by drivers, who can then be aware of their presence as they drive. Additionally, you can make sure their school bags or coats have reflective patches or keyrings. Like the safety vests, these reflective strips bounce light, making the drivers more aware of their presence.
It’s never too early to make your kids aware of the dangers of the road - the goal isn’t to scare them, but to make sure they know how to mitigate risks.
By opening up a conversation early, they are equipped with the knowledge they need to keep themselves safe - even if you aren’t around.
The Green Cross Code is a great way to keep children safe - and is appropriate for anyone aged seven and up. It’s a super simple and easy five-step process, teaching children how to approach a road safely, find a safe place to cross, and be aware of their surroundings until they are safely on the other side of the road.
For more information on the Green Cross Code, and how to teach your children, you can visit the Roadwise website.
At some point, your children will be have to cross the road without you - whether that’s going to the park with friends, or walking home from school. It’s important to make sure they know how to cross the road safely wherever they go - but one of the best things you can do is demonstrate the safe routes yourself.
If your child knows they have a safe route home, they are less likely to take a more dangerous or unknown one - equipping your child with a known path can make all the difference when it comes to road safety.
There are also some incredible charities that have more advice on keeping yourself and your kids safe around traffic, as well as resources to teach your children what they need to know.
For more information, and free resources, you can visit the Roadwise website.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Brake. Brake is a road safety charity. It was established in 1995. It coordinates Road Safety Week, provides support services for people bereaved and injured in road crashes. Learn more here.
Road Safety Trust. The Road Safety Trust is an independent UK grant-giving Trust working hard to reduce the number of people killed or injured on our roads. Find out more here.
IAM RoadSmart. As the UK's largest independent road safety charity, formed in 1956, they have spent more than 60 years making our roads safer by improving driver and rider skills. Support them here.
