Top Tips for Child Road Safety
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Time to read 4 min
Getting out and about with young children is a big part of daily life, whether it's walking to school, heading to the park, or running errands together. But when little ones are on the move, especially near roads, safety is key. With their limited awareness of traffic and unpredictable movements, children need extra guidance and support to stay safe on the roads. In this blog, we’ll share practical tips to help you navigate busy streets with confidence, from teaching road safety to choosing the right gear for safe, stress-free journeys.
Teaching your Child about Road Safety
One of the most important ways to help your child stay safe near roads is by teaching them the Green Cross Code. Whether they’re walking beside you, riding a scooter, or still in a pram, starting road safety conversations early builds strong habits for the future.
- 🚶♂️ Find a Safe Place to Cross: Emphasise the importance of choosing designated pedestrian crossings or safe spots to cross the road. Where possible cross at a zebra crossing, pelican crossing, traffic island or footbridge. If you can't see a crossing, cross where you can see in all directions and where drivers will see you. Avoid crossing between parked cars or on bends where visibility is limited. Teaching this early helps children understand that not all crossing spots are equally safe.
- ✋ Stand on the Pavement Near the Kerb: Teach your child to stop a short step back from the kerb before crossing. They should never walk straight into the road without pausing. Practise this with them often so it becomes second nature.
- 👂 Look All Around for Traffic and Listen: Before crossing, children should look right, then left, then right again — and not just with their eyes. Encourage them to also listen carefully for traffic. Talk to them about quiet vehicles like electric cars or bicycles that may not make much noise. Learning to stop, look and listen helps children stay aware of their surroundings.
- 🚗 If Traffic is Coming, Let It Pass, Then Look All Around Again: If there are cars coming, help your child understand why waiting is important. Let them see you modelling patience, waiting until the road is completely clear or the signal tells you it’s safe to cross. Teach them not to rush, even if they’re excited or running late.
- 🎯 When There is No Traffic Nearby, Walk Straight Across the Road: When the road is clear, guide your child to walk calmly and directly across. Avoid distractions and never run, as it’s easy to trip or misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic. Holding hands during this stage gives extra reassurance and control, especially for younger children.
- 👀 Keep Looking and Listening for Traffic While Crossing: Even once you’ve started crossing, it’s important to stay aware. Remind your child to keep looking left and right as they cross in case a car appears unexpectedly. Road safety doesn’t stop once you step off the kerb.
Lead by Example on Road Safety
Children learn by watching, so the best way to teach road safety is to model it yourself. Avoid stepping into the road without clearly stopping and checking it’s safe—look both ways and pause so your child can see exactly what you’re doing. Use crossings whenever possible, wait for signals, and avoid distractions like checking your phone. When you consistently follow the rules, your child is more likely to copy that behaviour and develop safe habits of their own.
Be Bright, Be Seen
Visibility is important at all times of the year, but it becomes especially crucial during autumn and winter when school runs often happen in low light or twilight. Whether your child is walking, scooting, or cycling, wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective accessories after dark can make a big difference in helping drivers see them. Stick to well-lit routes and use pedestrian crossings wherever possible.
Extra Steps You Can Take
While you can’t control how others behave on the road, you can take simple, proactive steps to enhance your child’s safety when out and about.
Hold Their Hand
Encouraging your child to hold your hand near roads is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep them safe. This physical connection not only helps prevent them from wandering off or darting into traffic but also gives them a sense of security and guidance. It’s especially important for younger children who may not yet grasp the dangers of road environments.
Consider Child Reins or a Harness
For toddlers and young children who are especially active or curious, child reins or harnesses can provide extra peace of mind. These allow your child a bit of independence while keeping them within a safe distance. They’re particularly helpful in crowded areas or when you’re juggling a buggy or pram.
Use a BuggyBoard
The Lascal BuggyBoard offers a safe, practical solution for children who are too tired to walk or need to stay close in busy areas. It gives them a secure platform to stand on while you push the stroller, reducing the risk of them straying too far or getting too close to the road. It also frees you up to focus on the journey while continuing to build their awareness of road safety.
Keeping young children safe near roads takes a mix of awareness, good habits, and the right support. From teaching the Green Cross Code to choosing safer routes and using tools like reins or a BuggyBoard, every small step you take helps build your child’s understanding and confidence. While you can’t control the traffic around you, you can make the journey safer by leading by example and putting simple safety measures in place.
By starting these habits early, you're not only protecting your little one today—you’re giving them the tools for staying safe on the roads for years to come.
Author - Cheeky Rascals
