Aim: To provide children with a comprehensive understanding of traffic and safety relevant to their age group.
Objectives:
- Understand the importance of traffic rules and regulations.
- Learn about safe cycling and pedestrian practices.
- Emphasise the importance of seat belt usage and booster seats.
- Develop advanced looking and listening skills for road safety.
- Understand the risks of distractions and the importance of visibility.
Introduction: As children grow older, they encounter more complex road safety situations. It’s essential to equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate roads safely. Here are some key topics and practical advice to help older children understand road safety.
Understanding Traffic Rules and Regulations
Children should be aware of traffic laws and the reasons behind them. Discuss the importance of obeying traffic signals, road signs, and pedestrian crossings. Explain that these rules are in place to protect everyone on the road, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
Safe Cycling Practices
Cycling is a common mode of transport for older children. Ensure they know the basics of safe cycling, including:
- Always wearing a helmet. Children aged 13 and under must wear a cycle helmet on a pedal bike or in a trailer pulled by a pedal bike, on a road or cycle track.
- Using hand signals to indicate turns.
- Riding in designated bike lanes where available.
- Being aware of their surroundings and staying alert.
Advanced Looking and Listening Skills
Older children should develop more advanced looking and listening skills. Teach them to:
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing any road.
- Listen for traffic sounds that may indicate approaching vehicles.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
- Be aware of blind spots, especially near large vehicles.
Avoiding Distractions
Explain the dangers of distractions such as using mobile phones, listening to music with headphones, or playing games while walking or cycling. Emphasise the importance of staying focused and alert at all times when near or on the road.
Visibility and Clothing
Wearing bright or reflective clothing can make a significant difference in visibility, especially during poor weather conditions or at night. Teach children the importance of being seen by drivers. Reflective armbands, jackets, and backpacks can enhance their visibility.
Safe Crossing Practices
Older children should understand the safest places to cross the road, such as pedestrian crossings, zebra crossings, and traffic light crossings. Reinforce the habit of using these crossings correctly and waiting for the green man or ensuring all vehicles have stopped before crossing.
Understanding Pavements and Kerbs
Teach children to always walk on the pavement and to stop at the kerb before crossing the road. Reinforce the habit of stopping at the kerb, looking both ways, and listening for traffic before crossing. This helps them develop good pedestrian habits.
Dealing with Emergencies
Equip older children with knowledge on how to deal with emergencies. Teach them how to call for help if someone is injured, including knowing emergency phone numbers and what information to provide. Encourage them to remain calm and to follow instructions from emergency personnel.
The Importance of Seat Belts and Booster Seats
According to the Motor Vehicles (Wearing of Seat Belts by Children) (Jersey) Order 1998, children under the age of 14 must use appropriate restraints. Children over the age of 3 and under 11 should use a child restraint if available, or an adult seat belt. Ensure that children understand the importance of wearing seat belts at all times, even for short journeys. Seat belts significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.