Keeping children safe around roads is a top priority for parents and caregivers. Roads can be busy and unpredictable, and young children may not yet have the skills to navigate them safely. Teaching tamariki good pedestrian safety habits from an early age can help prevent accidents and build their confidence when walking near traffic.
Understanding the Risks
Children see the world differently from adults. Their peripheral vision is narrower, their ability to judge speed and distance is still developing, and they can be easily distracted. That’s why extra care is needed to ensure they stay safe when near roads. In New Zealand, pedestrian-related injuries are a significant risk for children under 14, especially in urban areas where traffic is heavier.
Teaching Tamariki Road Safety
Educating children about road safety starts at home and should be reinforced in schools and communities. Here are some essential pedestrian safety tips to teach your child:
1. Stop, Look, Listen, and Think
This classic road safety rule is easy for children to remember:
- Stop at the kerb or edge of the footpath.
- Look left and right (and left again) for any approaching traffic.
- Listen for cars, motorbikes, and bicycles.
- Think about whether it’s safe to cross.
Encourage your child to say these steps out loud each time they cross the road.
2. Holding Hands and Walking Together
For young children, holding hands with an adult while crossing roads or walking near traffic is essential. This helps them feel secure and ensures they don’t run ahead or step onto the road unexpectedly.
3. Using Pedestrian Crossings
Teach tamariki to always use pedestrian crossings where available. Show them how to wait for the green walking signal and remind them that even at crossings, they should check for turning vehicles.
4. Making Eye Contact with Drivers
Before stepping onto the road, encourage your child to make eye contact with drivers. This helps ensure that the driver has seen them and is stopping.
5. Walking, Not Running
Children should always walk when crossing the road. Running increases the risk of tripping or not seeing oncoming traffic in time.
School Zone Safety
Many children walk to school, so school zones need extra attention. Here’s how to keep kids safe on their way to and from school:
- Use school patrol crossings where available.
- Obey the 40km/h speed limit in school zones.
- Remind children to be extra cautious around parked cars where visibility is reduced.
- Encourage older children to act as road safety role models for younger siblings.
Driveway Safety
Driveways can be just as dangerous as roads. Young children can be difficult to see, especially behind larger vehicles. To reduce the risk:
- Always check behind your car before reversing.
- Teach children to stay away from driveways and never play near parked cars.
- Install mirrors or sensors to improve visibility.
Here are more tips on driveway and road safety for children.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Leading by example is one of the best ways to teach road safety. Children observe adult behaviour, so always follow pedestrian safety rules yourself. Hold hands with young children, avoid distractions like phones when crossing roads, and use crosswalks correctly.
Teaching children about road safety is an ongoing process, but the more they practice, the more confident they’ll become. By reinforcing these habits at home, school, and in the community, we can help keep tamariki safe around roads.