6 Ways to Teach Your Children About Safety Near the Roadway
6 Ways to Teach Your Children About Safety Near the Roadway
As families, one of our most important responsibilities is teaching our children how to stay safe—especially when they’re near roads and traffic. Whether walking to school, riding a bike, or simply playing outside, understanding roadway safety can prevent accidents and build lifelong awareness. Here are some practical tips to help you teach children the importance of staying safe near the roadway.
- Start early with the basics: Even toddlers can begin learning about road safety. Teach them to always stop before stepping off a curb, look both ways, and listen for cars. Turn this into a routine each time you cross the street together. By repeating these habits, they’ll naturally start doing them on their own as they grow older.
- Set the example: Children learn best by watching you. Always use crosswalks, obey pedestrian signals, and put your phone away when crossing the street. If you’re holding their hand and explaining your actions as you go, it reinforces what safe behavior looks like in real life.
- Set rules for playtime: Remind kids never to play near the street—even if a toy rolls into the road. Establish clear boundaries for where they can play safely. For younger children, visual markers like cones or chalk lines can help them understand their safe zones.
- Teach bike and scooter safety: Once your child starts riding a bike or scooter, make sure they wear a properly fitted helmet every time. Teach them to ride on the right side of the road, signal turns, and stop at intersections. Encourage bright clothing or reflective gear, especially in low light.
- Explain the dangers in simple terms: Instead of scaring them, help kids understand why these rules matter. Explain that cars can’t always stop quickly, and drivers may not see small children right away. The goal is awareness—not fear—so they learn to respect traffic without feeling anxious about it.
- Practice together: Go on “safety walks” where you point out signs, crosswalks, and safe walking routes. Ask your children questions like, “Is it safe to cross here?” or “Which direction should we look first?” Making it interactive helps them remember and apply what they learn.
By teaching roadway safety early and reinforcing it often, you’re helping your children develop confidence and responsibility when they’re near traffic. These small lessons today can make a big difference in keeping them safe for years to come.
At NHSA, our goal is to help drivers of all ages become confident, safe, and informed. Whether you’re a teen earning your learner’s permit or an adult taking a defensive driving course, we’re here to help you stay safe and smart behind the wheel.