Page 25 - Mangwanani Magazine - May Edition

ROAD SAFETYLIFESTYLE
FOR KIDS
Signals
Help your child learn about the traffic lights and It may seem like a fun idea but sticking hands or head out
signs, and what each colour and symbol
indicates, including the red man and the green
man.
Stop, Look, And Cross
Always look for signals and use the pedestrian (zebra)
crossing to cross the road. In the absence of such
markings (and even when crossing at the pedestrian
crossing), here is what you should do:
Ÿ Look to your right, left the right again to see if there are Ÿ Always wear a helmet when
any approaching vehicles
Ÿ Never cross at bends.
Ÿ Never cross between stationary vehicles.
Adults should always accompany children aged less than
six and hold their hand when crossing the street.
PayAttention – Listen
Teach your kids that they may not
always be able to see an oncoming
vehicle, especially if they are standing
near a bend. Therefore, they should listen
to know if a vehicle is approaching.
Don’t Run on Roads
Children may not always have patience and may tend to
run across the street to get to the other side. They may
also run along the road in your neighborhood while
playing.
Always Use Pavements
Teach your kids to use the pavement/ walkway when
walking on the road. Set an example for them by using the
walking paths yourself.
Pedestrian Crossing
Kids should only cross at an intersection or use the
pedestrian crossing. If they are in a small neighborhood
where there is no crossroad or marked crossing, they
should follow the rules mentioned above. Also never
cross a road at a bend.
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Never Stick Hands Outside the Vehicle
of a moving vehicle can be highly dangerous. If children
are not careful, they could be hit by vehicles approaching
from the opposite direction.
Staying Safe on a Bicycle
If you have an older child who rides a
bicycle on roads, make sure he/ she is
aware of and follows the following cycling
rules to stay safe on the road.
riding a bicycle.
Ÿ Check if the bicycle is in working
condition before using it – check
for brakes and light, if using at night.
Ÿ Always use the bicycle lane. In its absence, ride on the
left side of the road and move along with traffic. Keep
your eyes and ears open to make way for larger and
faster vehicles behind you.
Ÿ Always use a light and reflective, bright clothing in
areas with poor visibility and at night, to be easily
noticed by motorists.
Staying Safe Inside a Moving Vehicle
In a moving car, you can make sure that your child is safe
with the help of a car seat or seat belts. Make sure they
learn and follow these simple rules:
Ÿ Never stand inside a moving vehicle whether a school
bus, taxi or car.
Ÿ Do not put any part of the body outside the window of
a moving vehicle.
Always Get Out at Pavement Side
This prevents being an obstruction to the other vehicles
on the road.
Be Seen, Stay Safe
Dressing in black may be a bad idea when you want to
walk at night. It is important that vehicle drivers notice you
if you want to stay safe.