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Pedestrian Safety Tips for Children
Young children often cannot judge the speed, distance, and size of oncoming vehicles. Teach them that it’s best to allow an oncoming vehicle to pass, and then wait for a new green light or WALK signal.
- The green light or WALK signal means that children should stop at the curb or edge of the road, look both ways for oncoming traffic, and then — if it’s safe — they can cross the street. Having the WALK signal or green light does not guarantee that cars will stop. Pedestrians must always look for oncoming traffic even when they have the right of way. Remember to look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
- Always stop at the curb and look for cars in all directions before entering the road. When looking left-right-left, make sure to look for turning vehicles, too.
- Before crossing the street, children may want to wait for a “fresh green light.” This means that they wait for the next new WALK signal if the DON’T WALK sign is flashing. Doing this gives them the most time to cross.
- If children are in the middle of the street and the DON’T WALK signal flashes, they shouldn’t stop or return to the curb or edge of the road. They should continue to walk at their maximum comfortable pace until they reach the other side. Teach them not to run; they might fall.
- And remember - children crossing the street should be accompanied by an adult whenever possible.
