Young children do not have the necessary skills to stay safe in traffic. Children are too short to see past parked cars and are often spontaneous. Drivers find it difficult to see children in traffic. There are programs which aim to teach children about pedestrian safety. It is a good idea for parents and carers of children to teach children good traffic safety habits early.

Starting out safely and streets ahead programs
'Starting out Safely' is a Traffic Safety Education Program written by pre-school teachers for pre-school children. 'Streets Ahead' is a traffic safety program written by primary school teachers focussing on pedestrian and passenger safety for Prep to grade 6.

• 'Starting out safely' covers 'passenger safety', 'pedestrian safety' 'safe play', and 'preparing for school'.
• Resources include teacher's manuals, discussion prints, parent sheets, audio tapes of songs and listening activities, certificates and stickers.
• Early Childhood Traffic Safety Education consultants can be arranged to visit and speak to parents and teachers to explain the programs.
• Programs can be ordered through pre-schools and primary schools.

Modelling behaviour
Children mimic and learn from older children and adults. Demonstrate safe behaviour around traffic at all times.

• Use proper pedestrian crossings or over-passes whenever possible.
• Be especially careful in traffic on wet or foggy days.
• Encourage your children to wear brightly coloured clothing that increases the chances of drivers seeing them.
• Show children safe places to play away from busy roads.
• Set a good example for children.

Road crossing
Children do not have the necessary skills to cross roads safely. They often can't see past parked cars and their lack of experience makes it easy for them to misjudge the speed and distance of an oncoming car.

• Always hold children's hands near traffic.
• Talk to children when crossing the road. Explain to them what you are doing.
• Simple phrases like, "We will wait until that red car passes" will help children to understand how to decide when it is safe to cross the road.
• Teach children about traffic signs and traffic lights and what they mean.
• Seek the safest route to school and other places your child visits regularly.