Children and teenagers

Teaching children to be careful pedestrians

Children can't always judge speed or distances accurately - until they can, make sure they have an adult with them when they want to cross the road. Make sure they know the Green Cross Code and safe places to cross

Before your child walks about alone, take them out on the routes they will use and point out any hazards as well as safe places to cross. Make sure they understand your reasoning.

It can be helpful to have children describe the route they want to take, telling you why they think it is safe to cross in a certain place. This will cement the information in their minds and give you confidence in their judgement.

Set a good example when you cross the road - children will copy your good habits. If you've got any bad habits, they could pick these up as well!

Ensure that children wear bright or reflective clothing in low light levels.

Safe cycling

Children under 11 should not cycle alone in traffic - they need adult supervision
Children should always wear a cycle helmet and preferably high visibility clothing when out on the road with you.
Investigate some form of bike training to help them increase their skills.

Children as passengers:

By law, children under 135cm (about 4ft 5in) in height who are under 12 years old must use an appropriate child car seat or booster seat - even on short journeys.
If your child is more than 135cm tall, they can use an adult seat belt. But a booster seat may help the seat belt to lie on the child's body properly.
Make sure children understand the importance of using their booster seat or wearing a seat belt - it's hard to force an older child to do something they don't want to do.

Teenagers

Across Sussex, hundreds of teenagers are injured on our roads every year, as pedestrians, as vehicle passengers, as cyclists and as new drivers. Teenagers need road safety education specific to their age group. Routes - The Teenage Highway Code is a 21st Century update on road safety for young people. It has been specifically designed to meet the need for road safety education for young people aged 11-16.