by Dawn Hawkins

Created on: July 14, 2010

Toddlers have a tendency to run out in from of traffic without thinking. They are far too young to figure out how badly they could get hurt. It isn't their job to know the dangers just yet. It is the parent's job to make sure that their toddlers are safe from getting hit by a vehicle. It isn't easy to keep hold of your toddler all the time. They are fast and can slip away within seconds. That is why you have to be particularly careful when you have a toddler near a traffic area.

How to keep your toddler from darting into traffic:

The Yard- If your home is near a high traffic area, it is extremely important to make sure that your children don't dart into traffic. You can do this by purchasing a fence to fence in the yard area of your home. If you are unable to fence in the front yard, keep the back yard fenced in and don't allow toddlers to play in the front yard alone. Toddlers should never be left alone anyway. A fenced in yard will allow your toddler more freedom of movement though.

Child Leashes- Many parents don't like to use child leashes but it is a way to help keep your toddler from running into traffic. If you are walking in an area with high traffic, investing in a child leash can save your child's life. You will then be able to allow your toddler to walk and have more freedom while you keep control of how far your child can go. Child leashes can be a life saver for your toddler.

Holding Hands- It's always nice to hold the hand of your toddler because it helps you bond. It is also one of the best ways to keep your toddler from darting into traffic. Be careful of this method though. Toddlers have a way of easily slipping their little hands out of the hand of their parents. Keep a tight grip on your child's hand when you use this to keep the toddler from darting into traffic.

Never Look Away- Never look away from your toddler. That is the golden rule when you have little ones. Always be aware of exactly where they are at and what they are doing. This is especially important when you are near a roadway. Keep your eyes glued on your toddler no matter what happens around you. Toddlers have a way of getting away from their parents without any warning. It takes them a few seconds to dart into traffic. Don't give them the chance to.

Be Aware of any Moving Vehicles- Keep a close eye on traffic. If you see any vehicles coming, make sure that you have your toddler tightly secured so that he/she can't dart in front of it when it reaches you. It isn't difficult to pay attention to what is going on around you. It can also save the life of your toddler.

Teach as you go- Teach your toddler about traffic as you are keeping a hold of him/her. Toddlers are at the age that they understand basic concepts. This is the best time for children to learn about the hazards of traffic. Teaching things such as looking both ways will help keep your child safe throughout his/her life so that he/she doesn't dart into traffic.

Paying closer attention to what your toddler is doing and staying close by your toddler when there is traffic in the area can save his/her life. Teaching your toddler about not going darting into traffic is a future precaution. Small children should never be left to their own devices while in an area where traffic is frequent. Being careful is the key to keeping your toddler safe.

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