Crossing the street? Drop the phone!
Jun
29
Written by:
29/06/2011 8:03 AM
This morning I read a tweet that asked why do parents always buy something to keep their kids safe rather than teach them how to be safe? Well, it is an intriguing question and I could make arguments for and against teaching safety. But I think when we see technology that can assist us in making our kids safe; we are willing to make that extra investment, even though it’s not always the best choice.
Take cell phones, for example. You may have bought your child a cell phone with the idea that it would help to keep your child safe or at least safer. With Mom or Dad on speed dial, kids can be in touch with a parent at the single touch of a button. I am sure my parents would have bought into this idea if the technology existed during my childhood. But is it really making your kids safer?
Research shows that talking on a cell phone while crossing a street increases a child's risk of being struck by a vehicle by up to one third.
So what do you do?
Researchers at the University of Alabama advise parents to teach their children not to use their cell phones while crossing streets, and to give their full attention to the environment around them. The distraction of talking on a cell phone, and its negative impact on a child's crossing decisions, has also lead researchers to speculate on the possible effect other devices might have, such as mp3 players or texting.
Even though you may have taught your child how to cross the street safely, children can be easily distracted and may respond impulsively. Remember, whenever you are walking or cycling with your child it is important to talk about and practice road safety. As a parent, you are your child’s best role model. It is crucial that you ensure that you are not walking and talking or texting or listening to your cell phone or mp3 player when walking across the street.
If your child has a cell phone, make it a rule that they do not use it while they are walking, cycling, or crossing streets. Walking with a group of children can also distract a child from crossing safely, so tell your child to keep this in mind: It's great to have friends to walk with - but don't forget the safety rules!
For more information, read our pedestrian safety tips page.
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