Be bright, be seen

At all times of year, but especially in the winter months, it is important that you can be spotted easily by other road users when it is dark or when visibility is reduced. Wearing bright coloured clothing will help you and your children to stand out when using the road. Even when wearing bright coloured clothing it can be hard to see people in the dark. 

Encourage children to wear bright and reflective clothing, such as a high-viz strip or a jacket, and to have reflective stickers or similar on their school bags.

Buggy safety

Strap them in! Before you go out check to see if your child is securely fastened in their push chair, sling or reins. Check that the straps aren’t too tight or too loose – some clothing can alter how tight the straps can be.

Keep a look out! When you are pushing your buggy on the pavement look out for vehicles coming in and out of driveways and side streets. If there are no footpaths take extra care. Keep to the right side of the road so that you can see any oncoming traffic, and they can see you!

Cross the road safely! Remember that your push chair or buggy takes up more room in front of you, so make sure that it is not in the road when you are attempting to cross it. Always look for a safe place to cross, and use the Green Cross Code.

If you have other children on foot with you, don’t let them rush off or lag behind you – keep them close to you and explain how to use the pavement safely.

If you are returning to your car, make sure you put your children in the car first. This keeps them safe while you load up the car with shopping bags or other items. If you have parked parallel to the road put the children in the car from the pavement side. Do not leave a child sat in a buggy or push chair while you are loading a car.

Holding hands

As your child gets older, they will strive for more knowledge and independence. When they become too big for a buggy, they will require more supervision and instruction by the roadside. Holding your child’s hand when walking on the pavement will stop them from rushing off or lagging behind, and will ensure that they do not get too close to the road.

Keep yourself between your child and the road. If you need to cross over, keep yourself in the middle against the flow of oncoming traffic. Always look for a safe place to cross, and use the Green Cross Code. 

Hints and tips

Explain what is happening on the road and why it is safe to be on the pavement.

Point out the colour of the lights on vehicles that are reversing, braking or indicating a turn.

Involve your child in your journey. Ask them to look down driveways for

Discuss the consequences of being distracted by mobile phones, music players or other friends when walking by the roadside.