Tips for Staying Safe When You Are Out

Mummy says… We spend a lot of our time out and about, both in the countryside at home, and visiting towns and cities. There are potential dangers everywhere, some more so at this time of year. I have some top tips for staying safe when you are out….

Look around

You’re a parent, so of course your attention is firmly fixed on what your children are doing, and we all know how easy it is to get distracted. So always try to take a moment to take in where you are and any possible dangers. Are you in a quieter area? Or if in a busy area, like a train or tube station is this a popular area for pickpockets?
Companies like smartsign.com often work with companies to put up signs that give information or
instructions to the public. So, keep an eye out and stay safe.

Road Safety

It goes without saying, but always use the pavement – assuming there is one. If you’re enjoying a country walk and the path is no longer an option then keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic.
You should take extra care and be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light and keep close to the side of the road. It may be safer to cross the road well before a sharp right-hand bend so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you. Cross back after the bend.
Help other road users to see you. Wear or carry something light-coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. When it is dark, use reflective materials (eg armbands, sashes, waistcoats, jackets, footwear), which can be seen by drivers using headlights up to three times as far away as non-reflective materials.

Crossing the road

1. First find a safe place to cross and where there is space to reach the pavement on the other side. Where there is a crossing nearby, use it.
2. Choose a place where you can see clearly in all directions. Try to avoid crossing between parked cars, on a blind bend, or close to the brow of a hill. Move to a space where drivers and riders can see you clearly.
3. Stop just before you get to the kerb, where you can see if anything is coming. Do not get too close to the traffic.
4. Look all around for traffic and listen.
5. If traffic is coming, let it pass. Look all around again and listen. Remember, even if traffic is a long way off, it may be approaching very quickly.
6. When it is safe, go straight across the road – do not run. Keep looking and listening for traffic while you cross, in case there is any traffic you did not see, or in case other traffic appears suddenly.
7. Look out for cyclists and motorcyclists.