As India continues to grow and urbanize at a rapid pace, the number of vehicles on our roads has skyrocketed, placing immense pressure on our current infrastructure. This surge in traffic often leads to congestion and, more critically, creates hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. Unfortunately, our roads are predominantly designed with a car-centric approach, often overlooking the needs and safety of pedestrians and cyclists. This lack of infrastructure prioritization makes daily commutes perilous for these vulnerable groups.
Road safety is particularly crucial for children, who navigate these increasingly crowded and vehicle-dominated environments. The risks are amplified by several factors: the dominance of cars in urban planning, frequent traffic violations, and poor road design that often lacks adequate signage and safe pedestrian pathways. In this blog, we provide practical tips and steps for parents and children to enhance their safety on the roads, ensuring that our streets are not just pathways but safe spaces for all.
To help your child learn safe practices on the road and give you peace of mind, we have created an easy step-by-step guide. This way, you don't have to worry about instructing them on the spot. It’s much easier to teach them in advance.
Step 1
Always Look Left and Right Before Crossing- The first and foremost rule of road safety is to always look left and right before crossing. Stop at the edge of the road. Look left, then right, and then left again for any oncoming vehicles. Always listen for any approaching traffic that might not be visible.
Step 2
While Crossing, Hold Hands- Safety increases with company. Always hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road. If no adult is available, wait for a group to cross with.
Step 3
Do Not Run When Crossing- It's essential to maintain calm and composure while crossing. Always walk across the road; do not run. Running increases the risk of tripping or falling, which can be dangerous in traffic.
Step 4
Walk on the Zebra Crossing- Always cross at a zebra crossing. Wait for the pedestrian light to turn green before crossing if there is one.
Step 5
Make Eye Contact with the Drivers- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. This ensures the driver has noticed you and is preparing to stop.
Step 6
Always Be Visible- Avoid crossing the road between parked cars, as it makes it harder for drivers to see them. Parents ensure your child wears bright or reflective clothing to be more visible, especially in low light conditions.
Step 7
Always Use the Footpath- Always walk on the footpath. If there isn’t one, walk on the side of the road facing the traffic so they can see oncoming vehicles.
Step 8
Always Follow Traffic Lights- Understand and follow the traffic lights and signals. Do not cross if the light is red or if the pedestrian signal is red.
If your toddler is still unsure about road safety, how about telling them through a story?
Or make it engaging through a song and dance, with this informative song on crossing the road!
Parents, there are many dangers on the road, but with the right teaching, children can be safe and happy! Now, don’t worry about them running across the road and getting into an accident when you can’t see them!
Improving Infrastructure for Safer Roads
While educating road users is crucial, infrastructure improvements are equally important to ensure safety. Various initiatives across India aim to create safer, more inclusive road environments. For example, the TenderSURE project in Bengaluru focuses on redesigning urban roads to prioritise pedestrian and cyclist safety, alongside vehicles. This project highlights the need for better road design, with dedicated spaces for all road users.
Similarly, initiatives like the Raahgiri Day in multiple cities promote pedestrian and cyclist-friendly spaces by temporarily closing roads to vehicles, allowing people to enjoy and experience streets without traffic. Additionally, the Smart Cities Mission aims to enhance urban infrastructure, including better road networks and safety features, to create more livable cities.
These examples demonstrate a growing recognition of the need to balance the needs of all road users and create urban environments that are safe, accessible, and sustainable. For more insights on safe cycling infrastructure and urban road safety, visit our blog to learn about ongoing and future projects aimed at making our cities safer and more accessible for everyone.
Are you still curious about a good cycling infrastructure in cities like Bengaluru? Visit our blog to learn more
Let’s make our streets safer for our children
