Pedestrian Road Safety

BY JUSTINE DEIGHAN

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in teaching their children to be safe at all times as pedestrians. How many of us know what the Green Cross Code is? If you are anything like me then the Green Cross Code will merely ring a bell in the back of your mind!

It is essential that we are educated to ensure that we can pass on invaluable information to our youngsters. As they grow and develop they need to learn to be safe as a pedestrian.

Here are five simple and practical ways in which we can help to educate our children, through day-to-day experiences, whilst out and about:

1. FOOTPATH SAFETY Always walk on the pavement or path if there is one never stray on the road and walk as far away from the kerb as possible. Where there is no pavement walk in a single file on the right side of the road, facing the traffic.
2. CROSSING ROADS The Green Cross Code provides a guide to help people cross roads safely. To help your child be a safe pedestrian teach them to use their eyes, ears, judgement and common sense. Teach them the safe road crossing procedure STOP LOOK and LISTEN.
3. SAFE PLACES TO CROSS Whenever possible use a pedestrian crossing, zebra crossing or a subway. Always have a clear view of approaching traffic so drivers can also see you. BUT remember to remain alert even when using crossings: make sure traffic has stopped before stepping into the road at a school crossing patrol you must always cross in front of the patrol person and only when the patrol person indicates it is safe at railway crossings wait for the bells and lights to stop and the boom barriers to be raised before crossing.
4. BE SAFE BE SEEN Most pedestrians are hit by vehicles because the driver does not see them until it is too late. Make sure you: wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day and light coloured clothing and a reflector at night and in the winter months when crossing NEVER assume a driver has seen you avoid crossing roads near the crest of a hill, at a bend or between parked cars, CONCENTRATE and be aware! Avoid using i-pods and getting lost in conversation.
5. GETTING TO YOUR DESTINATION SAFELY We all know walking is healthier and more environmentally friendly than driving, so do your research and find the safest route to walk to your destination to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

For for more detailed information and practical advice on pedestrian safety, visit the road safety section of the Herts County Council website.

Here's another link you may find useful. Teachers will find the educational resources from RoSPA and BRAKE particularly helpful. Finally - 23rd November sees the start of Road Safety Week sponsored by BRAKE, the road safety charity. Find out more.

AND IF YOU'RE A DRIVER -REMEMBER...

ALWAYS GIVE PRIORITY TO PEDESTRIANS!

This article was created on Monday, 12th October 2009. It was last tinkered with on Thursday, 19th May 2011.

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