Safe Walking.

Walking together as a family is an ideal opportunity for teaching children road safety and to reinforce safety codes promoted by Ray Foan, Accident Risk Reduction Programme Manager for West Berkshire Priority Care Service – NHS Trust.

   During your family walks talk about road safety to your children and impress upon them the need to do the following:

·         Walk on the nearside of the pavement away from the road edge

·         Cross the road at lights or at a recognized crossing point

·        
           Look both ways twice before stepping out into  the road and make sure there is time to cross without hurrying

·         Watch out for other oncoming pedestrians who may not give way to you, forcing you to step off the pavement onto the road

·         Learn to recognize the sounds of other road users – can, buses, trucks, cyclists and motor cyclists

·         At all times follow the basic highway code: STOP, LOOK and LISTEN

USING AN UNPAVED ROAD

o   Walk facing incoming traffic, so you can see them and they can see you

o   Day or night, wear bright clothes or fluorescent strips so you can be seen by other road users

o   Use your senses, sight, sound and smell – if in doubt stop

We hope that we have persuaded you that walking is the easiest and safest exercise for your kids and the best way to keep healthy as a family.