Pedestrian Safety

Did you know that children do not develop peripheral vision until around the age of 9 – this is just one reason why they are at an increased risk of injury as pedestrians.

Animals

Walking is great for children’s health and fitness, however being a pedestrian does involve a number of hazards.

Roads are designed with adults in mind, however children aren’t ‘little adults’. Child pedestrians are at an increased risk of injury because unlike adults, they are less developed physically (e.g. children have underdeveloped peripheral vision until age 9), cognitively (e.g. children are not as well equipped to tell where sounds are coming from) and in terms of their traffic experience.

 

To help keep your children safe around roads, teach them how to follow the safe road crossing procedure – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK:

  • • STOP one step back from the kerb, or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath.
  • • LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic.
  • • LISTEN in all directions for approaching traffic.
  • • THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped. When crossing, walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

Children on Wheels

Wheeled devices such as tricycles, bicycles, skateboards and scooters provide hours of entertainment for children, a great form of exercise and help them to develop skills such as balance. However, there is also a risk of injury to children when using these devices.


To help keep children safe when using wheeled devices there are a few key steps you can follow:

  • • Always supervise children when they are using wheeled devices
  • • Always use correctly fitted and appropriate safety gear like helmets, wrist guards and knee/elbow pads
  • • It’s important that children learn to ride their wheeled device in a safe environment e.g. away from roads and driveways
  • • Ensure that the wheeled device is the right size for your child and is appropriate for their development and motor skills

 

 

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