| A PARENTS' CHECKLIST: TRAFFIC SAFETYParents: |
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 Inspect bicycles to make sure they are the appropriate size and in good working order no loose handlebars, wobbly wheels, flat tires or loose chains. |
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Dont allow a child (typically under age 10) to cross streets alone until child demonstrates appropriate traffic skills and judgment. |
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Have everyone buckle up on every ride, in every vehicle, with every driver. |
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Place infants and children through the age of three in appropriately-fitted child safety seats as required by law. |
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Have children ages 4-9 who are under 49" tall and weigh under 80 pounds ride in a booster seat. |
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Prevent kids under 16 from operating a motorcycle or an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). |
| Teach Children to: |
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Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road if there is no curb, before crossing the street. |
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Look both ways before crossing the street and cross at designated crosswalks or at intersections. |
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Walk facing traffic, on sidewalks or paths. Walk as far left as possible if there are no sidewalks. |
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Wear bicycle helmets correctly centered on top of the head and always fitted snugly with straps buckled. |
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Ride bicycle with traffic flow and as far to the right as possible if there are no sidewalks. |
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Always obey traffic signals and lights as a bicyclist and pedestrian. |
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Buckle up on every ride, in every vehicle, with every driver. |
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Never play in or around cars. |
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Never ride in the bed of a pickup truck. |
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Never walk on railroad tracks and stay away from rail yards, railroad cars and rail equipment. |
For more information, see the fact sheets listed on the previous page and:
National Safety Council
Safe Kids Worldwide
National Air Bag and Safety Belt Campaign |
