Road Safety

Children should not go out alone until they are old enough to know the Green Cross Code and use it properly. The age is different for all children but it is generally not before they are eight years old. 

To follow the code, they must:

• find a safe place to cross
• stand on the pavement near the kerb
• look all round for traffic and listen
• if traffic is coming – let it pass then look all round again

when there is no traffic near, walk straight across the road

• keep looking and listening for traffic while crossing

When walking along the road

Walking is healthier than going by car. But your child can't always see what you can see and drivers can't always see your child, where they can see you. You could teach your child to:

• always walk on the pavement or path if there is one - never stray on to the road
• walk as far away from the kerb as possible
• walk in single file on the right side of the road facing the traffic if there's no pavement
• When you are out and about
• Always be sure to:
• explain road safety rules
• use the Green Cross Code
• talk about what's going on in the street
• encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it's safe or not
• let your child make decisions with you, so that they learn through activity
• help your child plan the safest route whenever they are going somewhere