Pedestrian Safety for over 7 year olds

Knowing the Green Cross Code

Children should not go out alone until they are old enough to know the Green Cross Code and use it properly.

The age is different for all children, but it is generally not before they are eight years old.

To follow the code, they must;

Find a safe place to cross
Stand on the pavement near the kerb
Look all round for traffic and listen
If traffic is coming, let it pass then look all round again
When there is no traffic near, walk straight across the road
Keep looking and listening for traffic whilst crossing

Watch "Toys" learning the Green Cross Code on You Tube

When walking along the road

Walking is healthier that going by car. But your child can't always see what you can see and drivers can't always see your child, where they can see you.

You could teach your child to;

Always walk on the pavement or path if there is one, never stray on the road
Walk as far away from the kerb as possible
Walk in a single file on the right side of the road facing the traffic if there is no pavement

When you are out and about

Always be sure to;

Explain road safety rules
Use the Green Cross Code
Talk about what's going on in the street
Encourage your child to talk about what they see on the roads and whether it's safe or not
Let you child make decisions with you, so they learn through activity
Help your child plan the safest route whenever they are going somewhere

Using Crossings

Teach your child to;

Always use the Green Cross Code
Wait at the kerb by the crossing, so drivers know they want to cross
At a signal crossing, press the button and wait for the green man to light up and never walk out
Never cross the road whilst using their mobile phone or listening to music on head phones
Stay alert at all times, remember cyclists and motorcyclists use the roads as well as drivers.

For more information and to access to Educational Resources - Think Website

Bus Safety

Make sure your child know;

To stop, look and listen before they cross any road
That they should stay on the footpath or the verge until the bus has moved far away
To act sensibly on and around school buses
About the dangers of traffic being hidden from their view by the school bus
Never to cross the road in front of the bus