Tips for Walking and Playing Outside Safely

Tips for Walking and Playing Outside Safely
Children age two to six represent just over six percent of the total population, but are involved in up to 25% of all pedestrian mishaps. Nearly one-third of the five to nine year old children killed by motor vehicles are pedestrians. Children enjoy playing outside, but they lack the judgment skills to cope with traffic. Children often act without thinking, and often expect that adults, including motorists, will be watching out for them.
A few facts that should help adults understand why children are so vulnerable may seem obvious. Physically, children are shorter, giving them a totally different perspective of the road. Preschoolers also have less defined side vision, and focusing required more time than is generally true of adults. They also do not localize sounds as well as adults. Young children are adventurous and may act impulsively. They still do not have concepts of what is safe, dangerous, or illegal. Children don't have the skills to handle these risky situations until around the age of 10. Children give most of their attention to play, family or friends, and it is unlikely that they will think about or respond to traffic at the same time unless properly guided.
For parents and caregivers, some tips for outside safety include:
· Supervision! Toddlers and preschoolers must be watched constantly and in close proximity to the supervising adult.
· Find a safe place to play. Good choices include fenced yards, parks, playgrounds, and schoolyards.
· Stay away from the unsafe places to play. A driveway is not considered safe unless it can be blocked off to traffic and constant supervision is present. A backing vehicle can seriously hurt toddlers, as it is almost impossible for a driver to see them. Even for older children playing on a driveway, maybe just shooting some baskets, supervision and having the driveway blocked to traffic is a necessity. The street is also not a safe place to play or learn to ride a bike. Riding a bike takes skill, and children who are learning might not be able to get out of the way of oncoming traffic.
· Get children in the habit of crossing the street safely. For children under 10, this means holding a grown-up's hand, crossing at an intersection, and looking left, right, left and over your shoulder before and during crossing. Pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you. Many young children assume drivers will see them, but that is not always the case. Encourage children to never dart out for a lost ball, dog, or school work caught in the wind.
· Encourage safe bike riding. Require children to wear helmets, have bikes or tricycles that are the proper size and in good working order, and supervise. Make sure to find a safe place to ride.
· Set a good example. Young children learn by watching adults. Show them safe ways to cross by crossing safely yourself. Wear a helmet every time you ride and observe traffic rules. Be a great role model! http://www.allaboutlongisland.com