What to do to keep your child safe on the road?

keep-your-child-safe

We have recently changed the time to winter. This means that it is getting dark outside the window early in the afternoon, and in addition. The autumn weather is not conducive to good visibility. At this time of year, we also often wear dark clothes that make us less visible to drivers. Special caution should be demonstrated not only by the manager but also by pedestrians. Parents and carers must also ensure the safety of children who are not always aware of the danger.

In 2017, there were 2 822 road accidents in Poland involving children aged up to 14 years. As noted by the points. Analytical Department of the Road Traffic Bureau of the Police Headquarters – the number of accidents involving children, compared to 2016, decreased by just over 5%. However, each event involving the youngest is one event too much. Unfortunately, the most common cause of accidents is human error – including the children themselves, which in 2017 caused 714 events. The reasons are. For example, crossing the road in a forbidden place or a red light, as well as entering the road from outside the vehicle. How to avoid this? In addition to paying attention to all kinds of irresponsible behavior, explain to children the principle of limited trust and activate their imagination.

A child on the road

From the age of 7, the child may be an independent participant in the road traffic. It is important, however, that it is well prepared for adults. If you are going the way to school, let’s go together several times, indicating places where you should be especially careful. We explain the basic safety rules, such as: moving the sidewalk, crossing the road or the meaning of traffic lights. We also need to ensure that our child is clearly visible to other road users – this is very important, especially during the autumn and winter season. As underlined my point. If the child moves in the undeveloped area after dusk, the reflections are an obligatory element, they should be worn so that they are visible in the vehicle light, preferably both from the front and rear. The child should also know that when there is no pavement available, only the left side of the road (road shoulders, carriageway) and preferably “goose” should be moved. Remember that reflections are a good solution not only for children but also for adults. Let’s give a good example to the youngest.

Small passenger

In the car, a child, like everyone else, must wear seatbelts. The youngest up to 150cm tall, as a rule, should additionally use special seats or seats. Fastening belts should be a reflex already at the time of getting in, because even when leaving the car park. An accident may occur. Many children also use public transport and should know the rules of safe behavior, both when driving and at the bus stop. It should be explained to them that it is very dangerous to enter the road from outside the departing bus or another obstacle that blocks visibility, moreover, seemingly innocent play – running or pushing with colleagues while waiting for a bus, can end in a dangerous situation. Let us tell the child that we prefer to be late for school then run across the road, for fear that she will not make it to the bus. You should also be calm on the bus or tram.

Young cyclist

A child under 10 years of age can only cycle on public roads under the supervision of an adult. Until then, along with the guardian, he can go along the sidewalk. Of these 714 accidents, 267 were caused by young cyclists from 7 to 14 years of age. notes the points. That is why children should learn the rules of safe road use as soon as possible. It is important that a child who already has a cycling card and independently guides a bicycle on a public road was aware of how important it is to comply with traffic rules. It is also important for his safety to signal the maneuvers performed, eg the intention to turn by pulling his hand in the direction in which we turn. At the same time, it should be ensured that by doing this maneuver we will not collide with another participant of the movement – emphasizes the police. And he adds – as in the case of walking – the visibility of the cyclist is important. Therefore, always before riding a bicycle, especially in the autumn, make sure that we have efficient light – at the front and at the back, and whether the reflective materials placed on the bike are not dusty. If the bike is not equipped with lights and reflective elements, it must be mounted. Although a helmet for cyclists is not mandatory, it is worth using.

Educating the youngest in the field of security can and should all adults who have an influence on their upbringing. Teachers and parents can use special program materials, such as the Safe Pooh Academy, for this purpose. The more adults involved in this process, the safer it will be for them on our roads.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF SAFETY ON THE ROAD. CHECK THAT DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO TEACH YOUR CHILD?

  1. The pavement is the place intended for walking. Although the pedestrian always has priority on it, the child should be particularly careful, when he sees that the vehicle is using it to enter the property. If there is no pavement, then you should use the roadside. However, it must be remembered that pedestrians and cyclists may move on it. In the case of obstacles encountered (snow or gravel), pedestrians may use the roadway but must stay as close as possible to its edge. If he sees a dangerously approaching vehicle, he must give way to his safety.
  2. Walking along the side or pedestrian road is obliged to move on the left side of the road.
  3. Although there is no such obligation, it is much safer to move around the “geese” shoulder.
  4. In the absence of a sidewalk or roadside, pedestrians may use the bike path provided that they give way to cyclists (not for people with disabilities).
  5. A pedestrian column of up to ten years old must use a pavement. In the absence of it – from the side of the road, and ultimately from the left side of the roadway.
  6. Such a group of pedestrians should move under the care of an adult.
  7. In a residential zone, which is marked with a special sign, the pedestrian always has priority. It can use the entire width of the road and go anywhere. However, this place is not excluded from traffic, therefore pedestrians should be careful.
  8. Pedestrians should remember about the reflective elements regardless of the time of day and wear them in such places that they can be seen both for drivers approaching from the front (reflective fabric sewn-on the jacket) and back (on a backpack). The visibility of the pedestrian is significantly improved by the reflective vest. It’s good for children who use the roadside to put it on.
  9. Children should be cautioned against strangers proposing driving home or school and prohibit the use of such offers – even if such a person declares that he knows the child’s parents.

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