Parents have the largest role to play in teaching their children road safety skills. It isn't difficult and just takes a bit of time showing children the safest way to deal with the situations we all come across everyday. Here are some simple things all parents can do to help give their children the start they need in using the road safely:
- Lead by example - your children will copy you as their main role model and biggest influence on their lives. For example, if you don't wear your seat belt, they are likely to see this as a safe way to behave
- Wait for the green man at crossings, wear a cycle helmet when cycling and drive in a non-aggressive way. In other words behave in the way you would expect your children to behave on the road
- When you are out walking with your children - particularly when they are young - talk about the road and the footpath and the where danger can come from. They will learn from you about the road environment and how to deal with it as you walk together
- Don't let them out alone until you are sure they can deal with the situations they are likely to come across
- Cycling is good exercise and a child's first opportunity to use a vehicle. Allow them to learn the skills to ride it confidently before they go out on the road with you. Teach them to use the road as a cyclist using the rules of the road. If cycling training is available through their school then this will give them many skills. If not you can help them learn what they need to know. Don't let them out alone until you know they can deal with the situations they are likely to come across.
Please visit our road safety pages for more information.
For a free booklet on teaching your child essential road safety skills please contact the Road Safety Team on 01724 297000 or email roadsafety@northlincs.gov.uk.