Tag Archives: children safety

Safe Routes to School

Ticket Your Family Program (ARPO)

About the Program

The goal of this activity is to encourage dialogue between children and their guardians about traffic safety. Children learn about safe vs unsafe behaviors on the road and in a car and are taught how to speak up if someone is unsafe. Students are given ticketbooks and encouraged to write “tickets” for family members who are being unsafe.

All program materials are free to download and use!

 

Who is this for?

Any instructor or care provider who wants to help children learn about traffic safety. The materials are written for elementary school age children.

 

Why is this important?

Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death for North Carolina kids. To help keep them safe it’s important to teach children how to recognize safe vs unsafe behaviors and how to speak up if someone is unsafe.

 

Program Materials

 

      • This image can be shared with school faculty, parents and guardians, PTA members, etc. to promote the program.
      • This simple lesson plan provides tips and additional resources for the program.
      • This class presentation introduces the program and explains basic concepts necessary for students to participate.
      • Distribute this information sheet to parents and guardians to explain the program and help them prepare to participate.
  • Tickets
Safe Routes to School

Kids Learn How to Act on the Road By Watching You

Your child looks up to you and absorbs your behavior. That is why it is said that children start learning how to drive from the moment you turn their carseat facing forward! The good news is that you can help ensure your child is a safe driver years before they get a driver’s license. By modelling the habits that will keep them safe on the road, you teach them without making it a formal lesson.

 

Even very young children notice your behaviors when you travel. Help them to absorb safety habits by showing them the right things to do around traffic.

 

Explain your Thinking Process

As you are traveling, explain your decisions by using I statements. For example:

“Oh look, the cars way up there are braking. I will slow down too.”

“Since it’s raining, it may be hard for people to see this car. I’m going to put on my headlights so they can see us.”

“There’s a pedestrian at that crosswalk! I’m going to stop and wave at her so she can cross safely.”

“That big truck may not be able to see my car, so I’m going to give it plenty of space.”

 

Imagine your Child with a Driver’s License

Even if your child will not start driving for another decade, he is already learning how to drive by watching you. If he spent years watching you text and drive, what do you think he will do once he gets his license? If the driving example in your family includes speeding, do you think he will follow the speed limit?

 

 

Make a Family Commitment

Discuss safety rules with your family and commit to them together. Give your children permission to remind you of that commitment if they catch you doing something unsafe. By keeping each other accountable, your child will also learn how to speak up and advocate for her safety in other situations.

 

 

For more information on the Safe Routes to School project, visit: ncvisionzero.org/safe-routes-to-school/

For lesson plans, materials, and activities for walking and biking safety, visit: ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety/lets-go-nc/Pages/default.aspx