Road Safety KS1: A Simple Guide to Staying Safe on the Road

Road Safety for KS1: Simple Ways to Stay Safe

Learning about road safety helps children make safer choices when walking, travelling in a car or using a bicycle or scooter. For children in Key Stage 1 (KS1), the most important rule is simple: always stay with a grown-up near roads and listen carefully to their instructions.

How to Cross the Road Safely

When it is time to cross, use the Green Cross Code:

1. Find a safe place to cross, such as a zebra crossing, pedestrian crossing or a place with a clear view of the road.
2. Stop just before the kerb and stay with your grown-up.
3. Look and listen for traffic in every direction. Remember that some vehicles can be quiet.
4. Wait until the road is clear and your grown-up says it is safe.
5. Walk straight across without running. Keep looking and listening as you cross.

Never run into the road, play near the kerb or cross between parked cars. Parked vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to see children and for children to see approaching traffic.

Stay Safe on the Pavement

Walk on the pavement where there is one, and keep away from the edge of the road. Hold a grown-up’s hand when needed. Avoid pushing, chasing or playing games near traffic. If there is no pavement, follow your grown-up’s guidance and stay well away from vehicles.

Be Seen and Stay Alert

Bright or reflective clothing can help people to see you, especially when it is dark or the weather is dull. Keep phones, toys and headphones out of the way when you are crossing, so you can pay attention to what is happening around you.

Road Safety in Cars

Always get in and out of a car on the pavement side when it is safe to do so. Wear your seat belt on every journey, and use the correct child car seat or booster seat for your height and needs. Wait until the car has stopped before unbuckling or opening the door.

Walking, Cycling and Scooting

When cycling or riding a scooter, wear a properly fitted helmet and use a safe route away from busy traffic where possible. A helmet can help protect your head, but it does not replace careful riding and adult supervision. Stop at the kerb and get off before crossing the road.

Practise Road Safety Together

Grown-ups can help children learn by practising safe crossings on everyday journeys. Talk about what you can see and hear, point out crossings and traffic signals, and explain why it is important to wait. With practice, children can build good habits that help keep them safer on the road.

 

KS1 Road Safety: Five Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Green Cross Code, and how do children use it?
2. Where is the safest place for a child to cross the road?
3. Why should children hold an adult’s hand near roads?
4. How can children stay safe when walking to school?
5. What road safety rules should children follow when cycling or scooting?

What is the Green Cross Code, and how do children use it?

The Green Cross Code is a simple set of steps to help children cross the road safely: **Stop, Look, Listen and Think**. Children should stop at the kerb with a grown-up, look carefully in all directions and listen for traffic. They should wait until it is safe to cross, then walk straight across while continuing to look and listen. Whenever possible, use a safe crossing, such as a zebra or pedestrian crossing, and never run into the road or cross between parked cars.

Where is the safest place for a child to cross the road?

The safest place for a child to cross the road is at a designated crossing, such as a zebra crossing or signal-controlled pedestrian crossing. Children should always cross with a grown-up, stop at the kerb, look and listen for traffic, and wait until the grown-up confirms it is safe. If there is no crossing nearby, choose a spot with a clear view in both directions, away from parked cars and junctions.

Why should children hold an adult’s hand near roads?

Children should hold an adult’s hand near roads because it helps them stay close and makes it less likely they will step into traffic unexpectedly. An adult can guide them to a safe place to cross and help them stop, look and listen for vehicles. They should always follow the adult’s instructions, even when holding hands.

How can children stay safe when walking to school?

Children can stay safe when walking to school by going with a trusted adult, using the pavement and keeping away from the kerb. Cross at a safe place, such as a pedestrian crossing, and follow the adult’s instructions: stop, look and listen, wait until it is safe, then walk across without running. Wear bright or reflective clothing when visibility is poor, and avoid distractions so you can pay attention to traffic.

What road safety rules should children follow when cycling or scooting?

Children should wear a properly fitted helmet and ride or scoot with a grown-up, choosing a safe route away from busy traffic where possible. They should stay alert, travel at a sensible speed and stop at the kerb before crossing—getting off and walking their bike or scooter across the road. A helmet can help protect the head, but it does not replace careful riding or adult supervision.