Parents can’t watch their children all of the time. There are occasions when they are free to do as they like. As long as they are old enough and responsible, it’s healthy for them to walk to school or the store. Kids grow up and deserve more independence with each passing day. Still, they aren’t notorious diplomats with unparalleled critical thinking. As kids, they are subject to lapses in concentration and brain farts. On the streets, with cars zooming past, this can be incredibly dangerous. To make sure they are safe and conscientious pedestrians walk this way and check out the tips below.

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[ctt template=”4″ link=”Td3b1″ via=”yes” ]Kids are subject to lapses in concentration or get distracted. On the streets, with cars zooming past, this can be incredibly dangerous. Read these tips to teach kids about pedestrian safety.[/ctt]

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Walk This Way To Teach Kids About Pedestrian Safety

Use Legitimate Paths And Crossing

Kids aren’t the only people who make up the rules as they go along. Adults are bad for it, too. You see it happen all the time when someone is rushing or can’t be bothered with changing sides. They’re walking along and suddenly dart into the middle of the road. It’s dangerous and often the reason for hit and runs. Stats seen from Abels & Annes say this type of an accident has a very high fatality rate, it’s something parents don’t want to teach kids. Instead, show them that official crossings and sidewalks are secure and the best choice every time even if they are out of the way.

Get Them To Look Left Then Right

It’s shocking how many kids don’t look before they walk out into the middle of the road. As a parent, it’s your job to show them basic safety values. Looking left and then right is the simplest and most straightforward of the lot. But, don’t stop at a single glance. Instead, get them to case the road two or three times before their foot hits the asphalt. That way, they can be sure that nothing is coming and they aren’t in danger. Also, it gives them a chance to react if a motorist is speeding and appears out of nowhere.

Teach Them About Spatial Awareness

A car or a motorcycle driving in a straight line is easy to see. Vehicles turning or backing up are different. For starters, they will probably be a lot closer than the car coming from up/down the street. Also, they may accelerate quickly to get out in front of traffic and avoid a crash. Finally, a motorist backing up may not be able to see what is behind them if there is a blockage. As well as vehicles on the main roads, teach them to watch for others on side streets and driveways. They aren’t as quick but they’re as dangerous.

Ban Cell Phones

Okay, it’s difficult to stop them from using their phones in the streets. Still, never underestimate their addiction. Kids will gladly stare at a screen while stepping out into the street. The Pokemon Go phase killed a handful of people and injured many more. Tell them to put their phones away and take out their earbuds or turn down the volume. Sight is important but so is hearing when crossing the street.

What techniques do you use to teach your kids about pedestrian safety?

This is a contributed post.

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