subject: Teaching Your Child The Rules Of The Road [print this page] There are many reasons that safety signs are placed on the roads. Safety signs are placed by the roads to help drivers navigate and be safe.
They are also there to help pedestrians and bicyclists to be safe. It is important that parents teach the meaning of traffic signs to their children so they know how to be safe around roads.
For example, if a child has been taught to only cross the road at the crosswalk, he or she will only cross there, even if their ball bounces across the street. This could save their life as they will not accidentally run in front of a car to chase their ball.
If children understand specific traffic sign, such as the crosswalk, they will be able to predict what cars will do and be safe around them. Children should begin learning about traffic signs as early as two and become proficient in the important ones by at least five years old.
The first thing a child should learn concerning traffic is the Stop, Look, Listen, and Think rule. This rule teaches children that when they want to cross the road, they should stop at least one foot back from the edge of the road.
Then, they should look left and right to see if cars are coming. Then, they should listen for the sounds of a car they may not have seen.
After that, they must think about what they say and heard and decide whether the road is clear and safe for them to cross. As they cross they should know that they should keep looking for cars and other threats.
When you have taught you child this rule, you should teach them that they should only use your car's safety door to climb in and out. This safety door should have a child lock that will allow you to have control over when your child gets in or out of the car.
You do not want your child hopping out every time you stop. This could be very dangerous for them.
The next thing your children should learn is where it is safe to play. Areas that are safe in which to place are fenced in front and back yards and the driveway.
If they stay in these areas it will keep them away from the traffic. It will keep them safe.
Your children should learn by your example. If you tell them one thing and then do another, they will wonder why you told them to do it a different way and it is likely that they will disobey you when you are not looking.
They respect you and look up to you. This means they are going to copy your behavior.
It is vital that they see you be cautious around roads and keep the rules that you gave to them. They will follow your example.
When you are driving in the car, keep your children safe by making sure they are in a car seat. Be sure to follow the rules on where the car seat should be placed in the car as well.
The seat should be in a back seat if the car seat faces the back of the car. It should never be placed on the front passenger seat as the airbag may go off during a crash and seriously injure your child.
Check to make sure your children have not messed with the seat belts before every trip. The seat should be securely held in place by the proper seat belt.
The best kinds of car seats are built to adapt to both infants and toddlers and are very simple to use. Of course, an excellent price is also a plus.
Make sure when you purchase a car seat that it is the right size for your child's weight and age and that it will fit correctly in your car. By following these rules, your child will be as safe as possible in your car.
Another thing that can help your child stay safe in relation to the traffic is to wear safety gear. Safety gear will help protect your children some if they are hit by a car.
Helmets are the most useful and important piece of safety equipment. They will provide protection to the head in case of collision.
Helmets have been known to save lives repeatedly. However, elbow and knee pads can also protect from scrapes and bruises.
Help your child know you are serious be calling them inside if you see them break a rule. By teaching them the rules of the road, you could save their life.
