Kids A health and safety column from Children's Mercy of Kansas City, Mo. And with it, there will be lots of children walking from home to school, some for the first time by themselves. So while it is especially important for motorists to beware of increased foot traffic, parents also need to take the time to teach their children some of the rules and precautions pedestrians need to follow. Parents should cross streets hundreds of times with their children before letting them cross alone. Bauer says it's the age and size of young children that put them at risk.
Young children think cars can stop instantly.
They can't tell where sounds come from. Few young children can judge how fast traffic is moving. The field of vision for children is just one-third of that of adults. Children don't recognize danger or react to it. Very young children see cars as friendly, living creatures.