As kids and teens, your early years are a journey of learning, shaping you into responsible individuals. However, some of the most essential lessons aren’t found in textbooks, but in the very streets we cross. And these are the moments when you accompanied your parents or drivers on trips to school or other places, on roads full of traffic, with vehicles of all shapes and sizes honking and manoeuvring through the chaos.

In these moments, you might have been captivated by a sleek sports car speeding by, sparking your sense of wonder and excitement. On the other hand, you might have witnessed reckless drivers taking unnecessary risks. At those times, your parents might have shared stories about the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of obeying traffic signals.

This crucial lesson of road safety revolves around the world of roads and road safety. Because many of you might have begun to venture out on your own now, whether to play, cycle to stores, or visit friends’ houses. And so, you need to understand and learn road safety rules before you start venturing onto the roads independently.

The importance of road safety

Road safety refers to the practice of taking measures to reduce the risk of accidents, injuries and fatalities on the road. The first and most crucial step in road safety is individual responsibility. It’s not just for adults, kids also play a vital role in keeping our roads safe. Whether you’re a passenger in a car, a pedestrian walking on the sidewalk or a budding cyclist, it’s crucial to understand that everyone has a role to play in road safety.

Let’s explore the importance of road safety and the steps you can take to ensure the safety of you and your family at all costs.

Crossing the road with caution

While it is important that an elder must accompany you when crossing the road, if you are young, it’s also essential to be mindful of the road safety guidelines. So when you find yourself at the edge of the road and preparing to cross, the first step is to look left and right.

Why, you might wonder? Because cars, bikes and various other vehicles speed along the road. Given the current state of many cities, where numerous major roads are under construction, traffic is often redirected onto smaller streets or even diverted to cut shorter routes. As a result, vehicles like autos, vans and bikes frequently approach from unexpected directions.

For example, the traffic on the road you are standing by may be flowing from the right, so you concentrate on the right side. However, as mentioned earlier, unforeseen vehicles may come from the left, catching you by surprise. Therefore, it’s necessary not only to focus on the right, but also to remain vigilant for any unexpected vehicles coming from the left. By looking left and right, you can spot these vehicles approaching, allowing you to wait until it’s safe to cross.

Hold hands with a grown-up

There is no shame in holding the hand of a grown-up. You are young, and you learn something new every day. Sometimes, you may feel like it’s safe to let go of their hand when the road appears to have fewer vehicles. But friends, this is where an error of judgement may occur.

The importance of holding the hand of an elder is most apparent when you become overly confident that the road is empty or the traffic is light. It’s precisely in those moments that a vehicle or a bike might unexpectedly appear. When you’re holding the hand of an elder, they can swiftly pull you back, preventing any unfortunate incidents. So, remember, always hold hands with a grown-up when walking near the road. They can help keep you safe and guide you through the traffic.

Use sidewalks

Roads are for vehicles and sidewalks are meant for pedestrians like you and me! When you’re out for a stroll with your friends, or even alone, make sure to use the sidewalk wherever it’s available. If there’s no sidewalk, walk as far to the side as possible and face the oncoming traffic. This way, you can see the cars and bikes coming your way.

Stay away from the kerb

The edge of the road, where it’s often uneven, is known as the kerb, and it’s not a safe place to walk. Make sure to keep your distance from it and stick to the sidewalk or a grassy area (if there is any). Cars may sometimes come a bit too close to the kerb.

Moreover, if you’re with an elder, always position yourself opposite to the traffic, and to the other side of your elder, which means you shouldn’t be on the side of oncoming vehicles, while your elder does. This is because elders are experienced in maintaining a safe distance from the road and moving vehicles.

Use zebra crossing or crosswalks

Crosswalks are very important. If you want to cross the road, always look for the zebra stripes on the road, and when you reach one, stop and look both ways. If the road is clear, go ahead and cross. It’s like a real-life game of hopscotch, but you don’t want to jump when a car is about to land on your square!

Wear a helmet when biking or scooting

Zooming around on your bicycle or sitting with an elder on the motorbike is so much fun, right? But remember, safety first! Always wear a helmet to protect your head. Your head is super precious, and a helmet is a shield for it. If you don’t have one, buy at your earliest.

Life’s lifeline, the seatbelts

Do you remember the time when you weren’t wearing a seat belt, and you were standing and then your dad hit the brakes, causing you to fall on your sibling, or maybe the food in your hand spilled all over you or the car seat? Yes, incidents like these often occur when you aren’t properly equipped with the essential safety gear — the seat belt.

So kids, when you are traveling in a car, van or any other vehicle in which seatbelts are available, strive to be the best passenger you can be. Always wear your seatbelt, remain seated and avoid distracting the driver. Your safety is paramount and wearing a seatbelt is a crucial part of staying protected during your journey.

Seatbelts are designed to keep you securely in your seat in case of sudden stops, sharp turns or accidents. They are a life-saving tool that significantly reduces the risk of injury in a collision.

Dangers of earbuds and hands-free devices

Listening to music or a podcast may seem enjoyable during your daily commute, but for those who are driving or are a pedestrian, using earbuds or hands-free devices pose significant safety risks. These devices often distract drivers from important sounds like horns or emergency sirens, leading to accidents and risking the lives of people around.

On the other hand, pedestrians using earbuds or similar devices might become less aware of their surroundings, increasing the risk of accidents and missing warnings from others. It’s important to remain attentive and keep your ears free while on the road to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Follow the traffic lights

It’s crucial for the person you’re traveling with to obey these signals. Traffic lights serve a specific purpose. When it shows red for you, it means it’s green for the other side of the road. This clear distinction emphasises that you must not proceed when the light is red. Ignoring this rule can have fatal consequences. Traffic lights play a vital role in keeping everyone safe.

So, whoever you’re traveling with, always remind them not to zoom your car even on a yellow light. Safety should always come first. While it’s important to reach your destination on time, it’s equally important not to rush. Going at your own pace is much wiser than risking your life by speeding and disregarding traffic signals. It will not be a big problem to arrive late at school, college or university, compared to the price you could pay for your safety.

Don’t play on roads

Streets and roads can be busy places. In areas where there are few parks or open grounds near homes, many kids choose to play cricket, football, or other games on the streets and roads close to their residences. While this may seem convenient for your family, it can also pose risks because roads are not designed for such games. It’s essential to always seek a safe and open space for playing.

If, for some reason, you are allowed to play on the road by your parents, then it’s important to be vigilant and exercise extra caution due to the passing vehicles. Keep your eyes open and stay aware of the traffic around you to ensure your safety.

Stay calm and cool

Even if you’re doing your best to follow all the rules, it’s okay to feel a little scared sometimes. The important thing is to keep your cool, stay focused on the road and the traffic around you and not let the loud horns or fast-moving vehicles make you nervous. Your confidence and composure will help you navigate the road safely and smoothly.

So, my young friends, you’ve got a treasure chest of road safety rules to keep you safe while you embark on your road adventures.

Whether you’re walking, biking or riding in a car, always remember these rules and make others aware of them too!

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 11th, 2023