Walking to and from school can be a fun activity, and it is often necessary when parents work. It is also a great way to get some exercise. However, there are several things parents will need to teach their children about staying safe while walking home from school. Below are some important tips:
Teach Your Children To Avoid Hitchhiking
Many people will offer rides when they see children walking. Although some of these people mean well, you should still tell your children to avoid hitchhiking. It is never a good idea for anyone to take a ride from someone they do not know. Children can be kidnapped by accepting a ride from someone they don’t know.
Teach Your Children To Use A Crosswalk
A crosswalk is a marked portion of the road where pedestrians have the right to cross. You should tell your children that it is best for them to cross the street at the crosswalk. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk. Busy crosswalks next to schools may often have crossing guards to make it more safe too. Even with all the safety precautions, other drivers can still be careless. If they get injured while walking to school, be sure to speak with a legal expert like attorney Shawn Diederich.
Teach Your Children To Stay Alert
You should talk to your children about why it is important for them to be aware of their surroundings. Explain to them that they need to look both ways when crossing the street. You will also need to teach them to report any suspicious people and activities that they notice. Furthermore, you will need to tell your children to put their electronics away while walking. Electronics can be a distraction.
Walk With Your Children
Small children should not be walking home by themselves. Most children do not develop the cognitive skills needed to safety walk home until the age of 10. That is why you should walk with your children until they are at least 10 years-old. If your children are old enough to walk without you, then you should encourage them to walk with a friend.
Choose The Safest Routes
Before you allow your children to walk to and from school, you should pick out a route for them. Encourage your children to only take that route. You should also map out stop signs and cross points on that route.
Many parents are worried about letting their children walk home from school. The good news is that there are many things you can do to keep your kids safe. You should walk with your children if they are under the age of 10. You will also need to encourage them to use crosswalks, stay alert and avoid hitchhiking. Additionally, you should select a walking route for your children.
