When I was younger I always remember the assemblies where we were reminded about the Green Cross Code – and there was the video with the hedgehog crossing the road – do they still do that? It was an important issue for me as my brother was hit by a car when he was 6 years old and consequently died. There was then a protest and a zebra crossing put in place. This was well over 30 years ago and parents today still have the same worries about their children safely getting to school.
I don’t do well with loss, in any form, but especially when it is sudden and unexpected. So many unanswered questions and so many things just not making sense. Blaming myself, and wondering if there was anything I could have done differently, or that I could change so it doesn’t happen again in the future. This is why I fully support Road Safety Week, which falls over what should have been my brother’s birthday. He was allowed to cross the road on his own at aged 6, when he was tragically hit by a car and died. Please let’s help us to try to prevent this from happening to another child.
Our own local lollipop lady has gone, and whilst we wait for a new one children have been left to cross the road alone. Always walk with under eights, holding their hands or get them to hold onto the pushchair. If they run off put them on reins. If you are taking the children out in the dark make sure you are visible – high vis jackets, torches and lights on bicycles. If you must cross in the dark then do it under street lamps.
It has become a realisation that our son has never had to learn to cross the road, as we used to talk him to school in the car. It is since teaching our 6 year old (since moving schools) that this has really come to light. Things we take for granted – such as not crossing at a junction or between parked cars (for example). Also, it is worth bearing in mind that children under the age of 10 years old cannot properly judge the speed and distance of a car – so best taught to make sure they cannot see any cars.
I have taken a series of shots to show the children that they are not visible between parked cars. Then we planned a safe route to school, discussing how things can change (such as a big van parking and blocking visibility). My younger two children know not to cross without me, and until I confirm that it is safe to cross. That we walk on the pavement, not right on the edge of the kerb. That if there is no pavement we walk right to the edge, facing the traffic, getting back onto a pavement as soon as one becomes available.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO COMMENT ON OTHER PEOPLE’S POSTS
I realise we are all busy that is why the linky is up for a week – giving you plenty of time to comment on some of the other entries. We need to build a community spirit and help one another. Ideally one a day would be amazing – but even 3 a week would help motivate someone else. Thank you.
November theme is GOOD CAUSES
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DECEMBER IS CHRISTMAS
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