Published on June 9, 2023
Teaching Kids Safe Street Crossing: Why It Matters More Than Ever
Learning to cross the street safely is an important milestone for children, much like learning to tie their shoes or ride a bike without training wheels. While it may seem like a simple skill, teaching children how to navigate traffic safely, and reinforcing these lessons as they grow older, can help prevent serious injuries and even save lives.
This is especially important as children enter their tween and teen years and begin testing boundaries and becoming more independent.
Understanding California's New Jaywalking Law
California recently changed its jaywalking laws, removing certain penalties for crossing outside of designated crosswalks. While this change may lead some people to believe jaywalking is now legal in all situations, that is not the case.
The law decriminalizes jaywalking in certain instances, but pedestrians can still be cited for crossing the street in a reckless or unsafe manner.
For children and teens, this change can create confusion. They may be more likely to cross the street when it isn't safe, especially if they hear friends say, "Jaywalking is legal now."
That makes ongoing conversations about pedestrian safety more important than ever.
Street Safety Tips for Kids and Teens
Remind your children that crossing the street safely protects them from far more than legal trouble. It helps prevent potentially life-threatening injuries.
Look Both Ways Before Crossing
Before stepping off a curb, children should:
- Look left
- Look right
- Look left again
The phrase "stop, look, listen" is a helpful reminder for children and teens.
Whenever possible, encourage your child to make eye contact with approaching drivers. If a driver looks directly at them, they know they've been seen. If not, they should wait until the driver notices them and comes to a stop.
Use Crosswalks and Follow Traffic Signals
Crosswalks are designed to help pedestrians cross safely.
Teach children to:
- Use designated crosswalks whenever available
- Cross at street corners if a crosswalk is not nearby
- Wait for the walk signal before crossing
- Follow all traffic signals and signs
Crossing in the middle of a street or between parked cars can make children much harder for drivers to see.
Stay Visible
Visibility is especially important during the evening hours.
Help your child stay seen by:
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing
- Using light-up safety bands or accessories
- Avoiding dark clothing when walking at night
It's always safer to assume a driver hasn't seen you rather than assume they have.
Avoid Distractions
Phones, headphones, and other distractions can make it difficult for children and teens to stay aware of their surroundings.
Encourage your child to:
- Put away their phone while crossing the street
- Lower or remove headphones
- Pay attention to traffic signals and surrounding vehicles
- Stay alert for unexpected hazards
Even when a walk signal is displayed, children should watch for cars that may not be slowing down or stopping as expected.
Practice Safe Bicycle and Scooter Habits
Children riding bicycles and scooters should follow the same traffic rules as everyone else on the road.
Remind them to:
- Obey traffic signals
- Stop at red lights
- Follow traffic patterns
- Yield to pedestrians when appropriate
Understanding and respecting these rules can help prevent injuries for both riders and pedestrians.
Continue the Conversation as Kids Grow
Street safety isn't a one-time lesson.
As children gain more independence, it's important to revisit these conversations regularly. Changes in laws, such as California's recent jaywalking legislation, can create misconceptions and provide a valuable opportunity to reinforce safe habits.
By keeping the dialogue open, parents and caregivers can help children make smart choices when navigating streets and traffic on their own.
Helping Keep Children Safe in the Community
The Injury Prevention Program at MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital is committed to educating the community on proper street safety through special classes and educational handouts.
By following these pedestrian safety tips, parents and caregivers can help reduce the risk of accidents and keep children and teens safer every day.
