Learning to Be Traffic Smart

Equip your children with the skills they'll need to avoid road-related injuries.

Children in kindergarten through third grades (5 to 10 years old) are learning to become independent. They enjoy walking, riding bikes, and playing outside. They don't have the judgment to cope with traffic by themselves yet, but they can begin to understand safety rules.

What Parents Need to Know:

• Parents often think their children are able to handle traffic safely by themselves before they are actually ready.



• Children don't have the skills to handle these risky situations until about age 10.



• Boys are much more likely than girls to be injured or killed in traffic. On average boys take more risks.



• Bicycles are vehicles. Children should not ride bikes in the road until they fully understand traffic rules and show they can follow them.



• Children often act before thinking and may not do what parents or drivers expect.



• Children assume that if they see the driver, the driver sees them.



• Children can't judge speed and they think cars can stop instantly.



• Children are shorter than adults and can't see over cars, bushes, and other objects.

Walking Risks
Nearly one-third of the 5- to- 9 year-old children killed by motor vehicles are on foot. They are hit by cars most often when playing near home. They tend to run into the street in the middle of the block, where drivers don't expect them.

Bicycling Risks
Children can be hurt riding on or off the road. Most children who are killed in bike crashes are 7 to 12 years old. The most serious injuries children get while biking are head and brain injuries. These injuries can cause death or lifelong disability.

Take These Steps to Safety:

Set limits for your child. As your children grow, set appropriate limits on where they can walk or bike safely. Don't expect them to be responsible or to start to behave safely until about age 10.

Teach safe walking habits. Begin to teach your children how to cross streets safely. Give them plenty of chances to practice when you are with them.

Find safe places for bicycling and walking. Find places away from streets, driveways, and parking lots. Good choices are fenced yards, parks, trails/paths, or playgrounds.

Set an example yourself. Young children learn by watching their parents and other adults. Cross streets properly and always wear a helmet when you ride a bike. When you are driving, obey speed limits, wear your safety belt and watch for children. Allow your children the opportunity to practice safe walking and riding when you are with them.