Safety is a concern for everyone, especially little kids. They might not be old enough to drive, but they use the roads often and are exposed to dangers just as everyone else is. Parents and adults alike should teach them traffic safety as early as possible so they can protect themselves and grow up to be responsible pedestrians and drivers.
Pedestrian Safety
Statistics show that more than 600 children in the US die each year due to pedestrian accidents. Knowledge of safety measures when walking and crossing the streets can lower this figure significantly. Those under 10 years of age should ideally be accompanied by an adult. They can learn by observing how the adult behaves when attempting to cross the road. They'll know what to look for such as cross walks, stoplights, and oncoming vehicles. They'll get a feel for how to judge speed so they won't make risky decisions. Kids must also be told not to play in the open streets where they could be hit at any time.
Bicycle Safety
Children are often taught how to ride a bike at an early age and they certainly make the most of it. The summer is a particularly popular time to go riding with friends. However, these fun excursions can quickly turn into a bad accident if they aren't aware of the basic safety measures necessary. First is to ride a bike that fits them well. Next is to wear all the necessary gear like a helmet, elbow pads, knee pads, reflective item, blink lights, and so on. These must pass the safety standards as cheap options will not offer much protection when it matters. They must also obey traffic rules, learn to read street signs, and stick to the bike path.
School Bus Safety
Whether they take a bus to school or not, children are likely to encounter buses at some point, even if just for a field trip, so they should know how to behave in and out of them. When waiting for their ride to school, they must stay on the sidewalk and not rush to meet the bus when they see it. They must calmly get inside, remain seated, and refrain from putting their hands or head out the windows. They should not stand until the bus has come to a full stop or else they might get off-balance. They must not disturb the driver or provide a distraction that could easily lead to an accident endangering everyone on the bus.
Railroad Track Safety
Those who live near a railroad must know the dangers they face when crossing. Trains may come by infrequently and seem to go slow, but they can appear unexpectedly and run at great speeds. It is also difficult for them to apply the brakes if the operator sees obstructions so people must take it upon themselves to avoid the trains. Playing along the tracks is a no-no. If they must cross, they should do it only at designated points and be mindful of the lights and signs.