Use a BuggyBoard: The Lascal BuggyBoard is a valuable tool to help you achieve this goal. It provides a secure and convenient platform for your child to stand on while you push the pram or stroller. This not only keeps them close to you but also reduces the chances of them running ahead or getting too close to the road. With the added safety of the BuggyBoard, you can focus on teaching your child good road safety habits, knowing that you’ve taken an extra step to keep them safe.
It’s Road Safety Week (19th – 25th November), and while they may be little, it’s never too early to start teaching your children about the importance of road safety.
In this blog we will cover the widely used ‘green cross code’ and share some extra steps you can take to enhance your little one’s safety out on the streets.
Use the Green cross code:
One of the key road safety codes to teach your children is the Green Cross Code. Whether your little ones are in a pram, holding your hand, or riding a scooter, it’s essential to talk to them about road safety and instil the following principles:
- 🚶♂️ Find a Safe Place to Cross: Emphasize the importance of choosing designated pedestrian crossings or safe spots to cross the road.
- ✋ Stand on the Pavement Near the Kerb: Teach them to stand clear of the road, on the pavement, while waiting to cross.
- 👂 Look All Around for Traffic and Listen: Encourage them to pay attention to their surroundings and listen for the sounds of oncoming traffic.
- 🚗 If Traffic is Coming, Let It Pass, Then Look All Around Again: Teach children to wait patiently if there’s traffic and to check again for any additional vehicles before crossing.
- 🎯 When There is No Traffic Nearby, Walk Straight Across the Road: Guide them on crossing the road promptly and safely when there is no traffic in the vicinity.
- 👀 Keep Looking and Listening for Traffic While Crossing: Emphasize the importance of maintaining awareness while crossing to ensure their safety.
The extra steps you can take:
While there might not be much you can do about other drivers’ behaviour on the road, you can take steps to protect your child and enhance their safety.
Holding Your Child’s Hand: Encouraging your child to hold your hand when walking near roads is a simple yet effective way to keep them safe. It provides them with a physical connection to you, making it less likely for them to wander off or run into the road unexpectedly. This practice is particularly important for young children who may not fully understand the dangers of traffic.
Child Reins or Harness: Child reins or harnesses are additional safety tools that can be used when you have a young child who tends to be very active or curious. These products consist of a harness that your child wears, with a leash or strap that you hold. They can be particularly useful when you’re also pushing a stroller or buggy. Child reins provide an extra layer of security, helping you prevent your child from straying too far and maintaining control in busy or potentially dangerous environments.
Remember, Road Safety Week is an opportunity for us all to raise awareness and promote safer roads for everyone, including our youngest family members. Let’s all play our part in making the roads a safer place for children and pedestrians alike.
