Crossing the street

Why did Caillou cross the road? To teach others how to do it safely! Sometimes, it’s not "why" you’re crossing the road that’s important, but rather, how you do it. Teach your kids the rules of the road and they’ll be on the road to success.

If you’re traveling from here to there, travel in pairs
Never allow children under the age of 10 to cross the street alone. Adult supervision is essential for very young children.

Look before you leap
Instruct children to look left-right-left when crossing a street and to continue looking as they cross. Children should never run into the street.

Be a teacher, don’t be a preacher
Always model and teach proper pedestrian behavior. Cross streets at a corner, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible. Make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing in front of them. Don’t assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you.

Use your brain, go against the grain
Teach children to walk facing traffic, as far to the left as possible, when sidewalks are not available.

Be a star, shine bright at night
Require children to wear light colors and reflective materials. Carry a flashlight at dawn and dusk or whenever it’s dark.

Play in a safe place to keep a smile on your face
Don’t allow children to play in driveways, unfenced yards, streets or active parking lots.

Enjoy the ride with safety on your side
Teach children to cross the street at least 10 feet in front of the school bus so the bus driver can see them from the cab of the bus. A child should only cross in front of a bus when an adult tells him it’s safe to do so. Children should wait with an adult on the same side of the street as the school bus loading and unloading zone.