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On the road to safety!
Pedestrians, motorists, cyclists… the road is a space strewn with pitfalls. This is why, from an early age, it is good to introduce your cherub to the main security measures. To help you in this learning, the golden rules of good behavior!
Road safety for children
– Your child should always give you a hand. And for good reason: with its small size, its visual field is limited. As for motorists, they may not see it.
– For a trip in all serenity, it is preferable that toddlers walk on the side of homes and shops, and not the road.
– For the crossing, specify to your cherub that we cross only on pedestrian crossings, and when the little guy is green.
– Explain to him that it is dangerous to play on the sidewalk or while crossing the road.
– If you find yourself on the other side of the road, in front of your offspring, avoid greeting them. Dominated by his emotions, he could run to join you.
– Teach your little one to never get their hands on portals or mailboxes. A dog could bite him.
– So that his ball does not escape from his little hands, keep it in a bag. Also, tell him never to run behind a ball on the road.
– To get him used to obstacles, point out dangerous passages such as dead ends, garage or parking exits and the various light signals.
Trick : At each outing, do not hesitate to repeat the safety rules to your toddler. He will adopt good reflexes more quickly. You can also opt for a question and answer game on the way to school …
He goes to school alone: the rules to follow
– At the age of 8-9 years, a child can go to school alone, like an adult. But be careful, the journey must be short and simple. Remind your toddler of the basic rules.
– Before allowing him to go alone, make sure he knows the way well.
– Tell your big one to walk right in the middle of the sidewalk.
– Explain to him that he must look to the left, then to the right, and again to the left, before entering the road. Also tell him to cross in a straight line.
– If there is no pedestrian crossing, tell him that he must choose a place where it will be visible to drivers. He will also have to make sure to see well into the distance, to the left and to the right.
– Do not hesitate to attach reflective bands to his schoolbag and to the sleeves of his coat.
– Dress your offspring in light or brightly colored clothes.
– If the journey is with other friends, insist that the sidewalk is not a play area. Tell him not to heckle or run on the path.
– Your toddler will also have to watch out for parked cars. Drivers sometimes open the doors suddenly!
– To avoid stressful departures and unnecessary risk-taking, make sure your child is on time.
It should be noted : Parents are often tempted to ask the older one to accompany their younger brother (sister) to school. But be aware that before the age of 13, a child is not mature enough to accompany another. Being concerned about your own safety is already a lot!
In 2008, nearly 1500 toddlers, aged 2 to 9, were victims of a road accident while they were pedestrians.
Driving safety in 5 points
– Use child seats adapted to the weight of your toddler.
– Fasten your children’s seat belts, even for the shortest trips.
– Systematically block the rear doors.
– Avoid opening the windows on the children’s side. Also, teach the little ones never to put their head or arms outside.
– To avoid being disturbed at the wheel, ask the younger ones not to get agitated too much.
To remember : On the road, as everywhere else, parents remain a role model for children. In the presence of your toddler, it is important to show him the example and the right behavior to follow, even if you are in a hurry!