Here are some basic road safety guidelines of which children should develop awareness.
- wet weather conditions
- road works
- congestion and distractions (e.g. mobile phones, conversations).
- road rules and signs
- emergency telephone numbers
- how different types of vehicles travel
- avoiding peer pressure to take risks
- how to plan safe routes.
- stop, look, listen and think before crossing
- recognise safer crossing places
- look out for hazards
- understand traffic can be dangerous
- understand what a pedestrian is
- realise the importance of holding the hands of younger children
- always be considerate to other road users
- always plan safer routes for every journey.
- never open doors while the car is moving
- understand what "in-car safety" means
- always wear a seatbelt every trip
- never distract the driver
- get in and out of the car on the side away from traffic.
- stay alert and watch for hazards
- keep the bike maintained (check the lights, breaks, chain and tyres regularly and make sure it's the right height)
- train to be a skilled cyclist
- never mess about
- understand bicycles are vehicles and, if crashed, can cause injuries
- always wear protective gear (i.e. helmet, knee pads and elbow pads).
