1. Look right and listen
2. Look left and listen
3. Look right again and listen
4. If it is clear, walk across the road.
5. Keep looking and listening while you cross.

Although children of pre-school age are very unlikely to be confident in identifying right and left it is still a good idea to introduce the Green Cross Code at this stage so that they will become familiar with it over time.

Young children should be taught to hold the hand of an adult for several reasons:-

• It is a excellent way of restraining a child

• It emphasises the importance of acting sensibly whilst on the street.

• It makes the child more visible to motorists. Small children can be difficult for drivers to spot, ensuring that they hold hands with an adult makes them more visible.

It is very important to remember that children under the age of ten years old should not be allowed to cross a road unsupervised. This is because it is highly unlikely that their vision has developed sufficiently to judge speed and distance well. It should not be assumed that pedestrian crossings are always safe as, of course, some drivers may fail to stop.

When out and about with young children always follow these guidelines to ensure their safety at all times:-

• Use restraints, such as reins, wrist straps or harnesses, or make sure that the child is holding your hand at all times.

• Set a good example for children. Never rush when crossing the road.

• Talk to the children, explaining to them why you have chosen a particular place to cross and when the time is right to cross.

• Discuss the different kinds of crossings with children.

• If you have a pushchair or pram, never stand with it sticking out into the road while you are waiting to cross.

• Encourage the children to find a safe place to cross and to stand at a safe distance from the kerb whilst assessing the road before crossing.

It is very important that children are taught that cars do not simply pose a danger to them when they are crossing the road. Walking behind a car which is reversing in or out of a driveway for example is very dangerous. Care should also be taken when walking through car parks.