17 November 2025
Top Tips for Child Road Safety
Getting out and about with young children is part of daily life. Whether you are walking to school, heading to the park, or running errands, being on the move together can be one of the best parts of the day. However, when little ones are exploring the world, especially near roads, safety becomes essential.
Children are naturally curious and full of energy, but they do not yet understand traffic or danger in the same way adults do. Their movements can be unpredictable, and their attention span is short, which means they need extra guidance and support.
In this guide, we share practical road safety tips for parents to help you navigate busy streets with confidence.
1. Teach the Basics Early
One of the most important things you can do to keep your child safe near roads is to start early with road safety education. Teaching your little one the Green Cross Code gives them a strong foundation for understanding how to behave around traffic. Whether they are walking beside you, riding a scooter, or still travelling in a pram, learning these basics helps build good habits that last a lifetime.
Here are the key parts of the Green Cross Code to teach and practise regularly:
Find a Safe Place to Cross
Show your child how to choose a safe crossing point. Use designated pedestrian crossings such as zebra crossings, pelican crossings, traffic islands or footbridges whenever possible. If there is no official crossing nearby, explain the importance of crossing where you can clearly see in all directions and where drivers can easily see you. Avoid crossing between parked cars or near corners where your view is blocked. Children learn through repetition, so practising this together helps them understand which crossing spots are safest.
Stop on the Pavement Near the Kerb
Teach your child to stop a small step back from the kerb before crossing. They should never walk straight into the road. Stand together, look both ways, and only move when it is safe. Practising this consistently will help it become second nature.
Look and Listen for Traffic
Encourage your child to look right, then left, then right again, and to listen carefully before crossing. Explain that some vehicles, such as electric cars and bicycles, can be very quiet. The combination of looking and listening helps them stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
If Traffic Is Coming, Let It Pass
Help your child understand that waiting is part of being safe. Show them that it is better to wait a little longer than to take risks. Model patience yourself, as children learn best by watching what you do.
When It Is Clear, Walk Straight Across
When the road is clear, cross carefully in a straight line. Avoid running, as it is easy to trip or misjudge the speed of a car. Hold your child’s hand to provide reassurance and guidance, especially for younger children.
Keep Looking and Listening While Crossing
Once you have started crossing, continue to look both ways and listen for approaching traffic. This teaches children that road awareness continues until they reach the other side safely.
2. Model Safe Habits
Children learn by watching. Every time you cross the road, you are setting an example. The best way to teach road safety to children is to demonstrate it yourself. Show them exactly how to do it safely. Stop at the kerb, look both ways, and wait until it is completely clear before stepping out.
Use designated crossings whenever possible and avoid distractions such as checking your phone while walking. Your consistency shows your child that road safety is important and non-negotiable. Over time, these actions will become habits they naturally copy.
3. Stay Visible
Visibility plays a huge role in road safety, especially during the darker months. Morning school runs and evening walks often happen in dim light, so it is important that your child can be seen easily by drivers.
Encourage them to wear bright or fluorescent colours during the day and reflective accessories at night or in poor weather. Reflective armbands, bag straps, or coat patches can all make a big difference. Stick to well-lit routes whenever you can and use crossings that are clearly visible.
4. Extra Road Safety Steps You Can Take
Even with the best preparation, roads can still be unpredictable. Taking a few extra safety measures gives you peace of mind and helps your child feel secure.
Hold Their Hand
Encouraging your child to hold your hand near roads is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep them safe. This physical connection not only stops them from wandering or running ahead but also gives them reassurance and confidence. Holding hands teaches them that safety comes first whenever traffic is nearby.
Consider Child Reins or a Harness
For toddlers and young children who are naturally curious, reins or a harness can be a useful tool. These allow your child a small sense of independence while keeping them within a safe distance. They are especially helpful in crowded areas or when your hands are full with bags or a pram.
Use a BuggyBoard®
When little legs get tired, it can be harder to keep your child close. The Lascal BuggyBoard® offers a safe and practical solution. It provides a sturdy platform for your child to stand on while you push the buggy, keeping them secure and within reach.
It also reduces the temptation for your child to run ahead or step near the road when they are feeling restless. The BuggyBoard® is designed to fit most prams and buggies, giving you flexibility and peace of mind during busy outings. It is a smart way to keep journeys calm and controlled for both of you.
Keeping young children safe near roads is all about awareness, good habits, and the right tools. Teaching the Green Cross Code, showing safe behaviour, and choosing supportive products such as reins or the Lascal BuggyBoard® all help to create safer, more confident journeys.
While you cannot control how others drive, you can make each walk safer by leading by example and planning ahead.
