*STREET SMARTS - reducing vulnerability without alarming unnecessarily.

1. Identification:

Children should memorize their telephone number and how to contact parent at work. Older children should also know name, address, telephone number of a neighbor or relative they can call in an emergency.

2. Getting there on foot:

Basic rules should include staying on sidewalks, crossing at corners. Map out the shortest, safest route with your child. Warn child never to take shortcuts through alleys or deserted areas even if child is late.

3. Safe Places:

Identify "safe houses" for your children. Ask 2 or 3 neighbors if your child can count on them for help if necessary. Be sure to introduce your child to these adults. Point out other safe places where your child can find a telephone and helpful adults, such as a nearby gas station, the corner store, the police or fire station, or the library

4. Buddy System:

Safety in numbers concept. Talk with your child about traveling with a friend. A child all alone stands out along the road. A friend can help your child or run for help in case of an accident.

5. About Strangers

Help child understand that strangers are not just scruffy looking people. Explain the difference between good strangers and bad strangers. Good strangers are people like a police officer, mail carrier, store clerk or gas station attendant who can be asked for help if needed. Bad strangers can be very friendly; give specific examples such as, "Can you help me find my lost puppy?" Tell your child that if an adult truly needed help, he/she would not ask a child, but would likely ask another adult. Impress upon the child not to follow or assist a stranger. A good response is to walk away and say "I have to ask my Mom". Explain that it is important to keep a safe space between themselves and the stranger. If a stranger attempts to touch or hold them that is the time to yell or run away.

*WHEEL SMARTS

1. Purchasing a Bicycle:

Buy one that is the right size for your child at the time. A bike that they grow into is an unsafe one. Before the child learns to ride, teach the child that a bike is not a toy, but transportation, therefore, they must follow the laws. Explain that you will set limits on where they may ride. Teach child to keep bike in good repair, by helping child check tires, brakes, seat and handlebar height every few months.

2. Traffic Safety Rules:

Children should learn and practice safety rules before riding a bike. They should be taught to get off their bike and walk across busy intersections. The most common bicycle traffic violations are: failing to yield right of way; driving in the middle of the street; driving too fast for the road or weather conditions; disregarding signs and signals, driving against the flow of traffic; making an improper turn and riding at dusk or in the dark.

3. Check Out the Routes:

Study roads your child will travel before agreeing to let child out on their own. Drive routes with your child, then park and sit for awhile, watching the traffic patterns and pointing out potentially hazardous conditions. 4. Bicycle Helmets: Start helmet habit with the child's first bicycle. Let the child pick the style. Helmet and its chin strap should fit snuggly but not be tight. It should cover the top of the forehead and not rock either side to side or front to back. Convince the child to wear the helmet: Wear one yourself; reward child for remembering helmet-- give an extra privilege for wearing it without being told; be consistent -- the helmet must be worn whenever the bike is used; point out professional athletes wear helmets when participating in sports; encourage other parents to have children wear helmets.

5. Children's Judgements:

Children ages 7-l0 may feel they should have as much biking freedom as older children and teens. However, this age group is much less able to make on-the-spot judgements and decisions. Don't be misled by child's reassurances that they can take care of themselves. Children of this age, no matter how well motivated are not dependable when they must weigh several factors before choosing a safe course.

University of Rhode Island, United States Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating, Cooperative Extension in Rhode Island prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

If you are interested in more information please call 401.277.5255.