Out and about safety
Crossing the road
- Find the safest place to stop and cross. Try and cross at a zebra, pelican or traffic lights crossing, where there is a red and green man, or where there is a school crossing patrol. Try not to cross between parked cars. Never cross on a sharp bend or just before the top of a hill.
- Stop! Stand on the pavement near the kerb and give yourself plenty of time to look around you before you cross.
- Use your eyes and ears. Look all around for traffic and listen carefully.
- If traffic is coming, let is pass and don?t cross until there is a safe gap and plenty of time. If you are not sure, don?t cross!
- When you?re sure it?s safe walk straight across the road, don?t run!
- Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross.
Walking
- When you are out walking always use a pavement or footpath. Where there is no pavement, walk on the right hand side of the road to face the traffic coming towards you.
Cycling
- Make sure your front and back lights work well and your back reflector is clean.
- Make sure your brakes are working.
- Always wear a cycle helmet. This will help protect you if you have an accident.
- Make sure that other road users can see you. Wear fluorescent clothing during the day and something reflective at night.
Riding in cars
- When you get into a car the first thing you should do is put on your seatbelt. It is the law that seatbelts should be worn at all times.
- Drivers need to concentrate on what they are doing so make sure that you do not distract the driver or block their view in the mirror.
- Never lean out, throw or hang anything out of the window while the car is moving.
- Only open windows and doors if it is safe. Don?t open doors while the car is moving.
Playing safely
- If your ball goes into the road don?t run after it. Follow the Green Cross Code and wait until the road is completely clear before fetching it.
- Don?t talk to strangers or accept anything from anyone you don?t know.
- Look out for signs. Skateboarding, rollerblading and ball games might be banned in certain areas.
- Avoid busy areas and always take care near other pedestrians, particularly young children and the elderly. Try not cause a nuisance to others.
- Rollerblade or skateboard only on the pavement, and never on the road. Where possible use playgrounds, parks or special areas provided.
- Wear a protective helmet, knee pads and elbow pads to protect you if you fall.
- Don?t play on building sites or near railway lines.
