How kids can be safer when walking on footpaths or rural roads. Plus, how to cross the road using the kerb drill.
Go for walks with your children. Kneel down next to them and discuss what they can see and hear. Point out hazards.
As they get older, help them learn more about safe ways to cross the road.
Key things for children to learn
- Walk on the footpath, closer to houses and away from the road.
- Look and listen for vehicles at driveways (some driveways are difficult to see into).
- Cross with an adult.
- Cross at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights.
If there is no crossing or traffic lights, cross somewhere with a good view in all directions, using the kerb drill.
Kerb drill
- Take one step back from the kerb.
- Look and listen for vehicles coming from all directions.
- If there are vehicles coming, wait until they pass and then look and listen again.
- If there are no vehicles coming, walk quickly straight across the road.
- While crossing, keep looking and listening for vehicles.
Vehicles blocking the footpath
Cars, courier vans and construction trucks are serious hazards, as the driver may move without noticing the child. Here’s what to teach your child.
Look for a driver inside the vehicle.
If there is a driver, stop and wait to see if they move the vehicle.
If you can’t see a driver, the driver might be inside but hard to see, so look for clues that the vehicle may move:
- exhaust fumes
- reversing lights
- engine noise.
If there’s no driver and the engine is off, walk around the vehicle on the house side.
If there’s no room on the house side, walk carefully around on the road side, but look out for other vehicles. It may be safer to go back and cross using the kerb drill.
Walking on rural roads
Rural roads usually don’t have a footpath.
- Walk on the same side as oncoming traffic. This makes it easier for you to see approaching vehicles.
- Keep as far off the road as possible – take extra care at bends if you can’t see ahead clearly.
- Walk in single file, shortest person at the front, so everyone can see ahead.
- Listen – you can hear vehicles before you see them.
- If a vehicle is coming, stop and step back from the roadside.
- If there’s a narrow bridge, stop, listen and look carefully before crossing quickly.
Around home – being careful around driveways
Ensure your children do not play on driveways.
If a ball or pet goes onto the road, the child should ask an adult for help.
If they’re old enough to get the ball themselves:
- wait for the ball to stop.
- stand directly opposite the ball and use the kerb drill to cross.
Further guidance on walking
