Traffic rules for children: how to teach your child to be safe on the road

Every year around the world, thousands of children are injured or killed in road traffic crashes. But the good news is that most of these accidents are preventable.

Many parents think: «As long as I'm around, everything is under control» or «School will teach you. But this is a dangerous misconception. A child can go out alone in the yard, run after a ball, decide to cross the road »like mom.« And make a fatal mistake.

At what age to start traffic education

It is possible to start familiarizing children with traffic rules from the age of 3-4. At this age, the child will not yet understand all the nuances, but is already capable of learning simple rules: 

• «hold your hand.»
• «waiting for the green.»
• «we don't run by the roadside.».

From 4-5 years of age is the ideal time for systematic training. It is during this period that a child's outdoor behavior is formed and habits are laid down that will last for years. 

By age 6 or 7, the child is ready for more complex concepts:

• braking distance
• direction of travel
• traffic signage

This is critical before the start of school life, when children begin to walk down the street on their own.

Basic rules that every child should know

First and most importantly, children are only allowed to cross the road in designated areas. 

Explain to the child:

• Never run across the road between parked cars - the driver won't see you.
• If there is no traffic light or zebra, look for an underpass or keep walking until you find a safe place to cross the road.
• Before crossing, stop, look left, then right, making sure all cars have stopped.
• Even if the light is green, don't rush! Cars may be turning or may not see the pedestrian.

Special attention is paid to traffic lights. The child must know clearly:

• Red, stop!
• Yellow is also stop! It's not «wait,» it's a signal to stop.
• Green - you can go, but only after inspection!

And most importantly, if you drop a toy on the roadway, don't go back. It is better to lose the ball than your health. 

Explain: «The green light doesn't stay on for long. While you are running after the ball, the light will turn red, the cars will move and the driver won't have time to stop.

Mini-memo: 5 rules for safe road crossing

1. Cross only at a zebra or traffic light.
2. Stop at the edge of the sidewalk.
3. Look left, then right.
4. Make sure all the cars are parked.
5. Walk calmly, don't run or get distracted.

Road signs that are important for children to know

You don't need to learn all 200+ characters. Four or five key ones that the child will see every day are enough:

«Crosswalk.»

You can cross here, but only after making sure cars are allowed to pass.

«Watch out for children!»

This sign is for drivers, not pedestrians! It does not give you the right to cross the road anywhere.

«No traffic allowed.»

Means that you cannot walk on this section. For example, a highway or repair.

«Underpass.»

If you see one, be sure to use it, especially on busy streets.

Teach the signs through play: while walking, ask: «What does this sign mean?», «Where can we cross?». You can make cards or coloring books, so road signs for children will become part of everyday life.

Typical mistakes made by parents when teaching traffic rules

1. Rushing and breaking the rules in front of the child

If you run over a red light when you are running late, it is the action, not the words, that your child will remember.

2. Intimidation

«If you jump out, you'll get run over by a car!» This approach creates fear, but not understanding. It is better to explain the logic: «The car can't stop instantly, that's why we wait.

3. lack of explanation

Just saying «no» is not enough. The child must understand the reason.

4. Shifting responsibility to the school

Yes, traffic laws will be taught in school, but basic skills should be formed before first grade. It is your child's health that you are responsible for. And that's the responsibility of anyone good parent.

Traffic rules for children are essential knowledge in today's world. The earlier a child learns to behave safely on the road, the more confident and independent he or she will feel in the world. And your task is to teach your child the importance of road safety for life.