Some activities become so routine that adults may forget the dangers they harbor. Take, for example, crossing the street. We know we should always cross at a crosswalk and that we should be careful when doing so. However, for children, crossing the street safely is a learned behavior. To help protect them from being injured by automobiles, children should be shown, as well as told, how to cross.

If they are not thoroughly trained in the practice of safe street crossing, children are at a much greater risk every time they are out walking or playing near a street. So how can parents and educators help ensure that children understand the rules of the crosswalk?

Children need to develop a set of analytical skills that will allow them to make good crossing decisions. One of the primary skills is being able to choose a safe place to cross. The ideal crossing locations are those where traffic is light and clearly visible. It is also preferable for there to be crossing aids, such as crossing guards or walk lights.

A child must understand his or her own personal limitations as a pedestrian. Parents should monitor children until the children feel secure that they can cross safely. Parents can reinforce good crossing habits by being model pedestrians themselves.

Sadly, it is all too easy for a child to be hit by an automobile while crossing the street, even if he or she always obeys safe crossing rules. And because of their diminutive size, children are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries if they get struck.

If your child is ever injured by a motor vehicle while walking in or near a street, a Rhode Island personal injury attorney may be able to help you get compensation to pay for medical expenses.