Lessons Learned from Child Development Research
Training children to recognize and interpret visual and auditory road clues is critical. Children struck by vehicles often claim that they "looked" before crossing the road, but did not "see" the oncoming vehicle that hit them. As these skills develop, children become more aware of relevant cues and evaluate traffic situations more efficiently.
Younger children are not yet aware of the concept of danger and must learn to realize the dangers inherent in the road environment.
A clear improvement in the recognition of how to cope with the dangers of crossing the street occurs around the age of seven and eight. Children younger than this should be accompanied by an adult when crossing the street.
Practical experience is necessary to enable pedestrian skills to develop. A time lag may exist between experience and skills development.
educators.