One for the TrafPols.....

[ca092003]

Presumably you guys and gals joined up to Traffic because you have an interest in road safety.....and imagine you see some pretty horrendous sights.....

My question is, for those of you with children (young and old) how do you educate them about the dangers of the road, so that they don't end up being a KSI statistic?

[gone]

ca092003 said:

Presumably you guys and gals joined up to Traffic because you have an interest in road safety.....and imagine you see some pretty horrendous sights..... My question is, for those of you with children (young and old) how do you educate them about the dangers of the road, so that they don't end up being a KSI statistic?

Thoroughly and carefully.
Starts with walking on pavements, playing in the street, crossing the road and where to do it safely and then riding bikes.

When they are in the car and paying attention, I talk to them about driving, showing them good practice and bad stuff as well. If they are educated early enough and it is repetative, they will eventually understand!

[ca092003]

Gone

Thanks

And then what about an age where they are curious about driving themselves? 14/15 - Would you suggest go-karting or something similar?

[gone]

ca092003 said:

Gone Thanks And then what about an age where they are curious about driving themselves? 14/15 - Would you suggest go-karting or something similar?

My son is 9. He has been able to drive my car for over a year now. I have cause on occasions to have stubble fields to drive on. I introduced him to clutch/steering/acceleration/braking control when he was 8 although it was a bit of a struggle with him reaching the pedals ast he had to almost stand and perch on the edge of the seat.

I started him with steering by having him on my lap and letting him use the accelerator with me controlling the brake.

I now have a Range Rover and he is quite happy driving that without any help from me at all. I sit in the passenger seat and let him get on with it.

I can confidently ask him to go and get the car knowing that he will bring it safely to me when we are engaged in our sporting interests in the fields.

Go carting with you son will be a good start for him to understand about motor vehicles. However, there is nothing like the real thing! So I am told

[Flat in Fifth]

ca092003 said:

Gone Thanks And then what about an age where they are curious about driving themselves? 14/15 - Would you suggest go-karting or something similar?

ca092003
not sure about 14 yr olds but at 15 take a look at this list

There are other schemes mainly darn sarf. Eg Under 17 car club first on the list but afaik is full at the moment.

The one Miss FiF will be starting is at Rushock, bottom of the list. Trading estate with gates which can be closed to MoP. There is a mini road system with signs etc., more use than the expanse of an old airfield imo. All instruction is in dual control cars by ADIs.

Hope that helps.

FiF

>> Edited by Flat in Fifth on Thursday 17th February 18:27

[Streetcop]

I have two children; 13yrs and 8 years...

They are both very 'aware' of the dangers...and it seems to have been a result of both their parents being 'coppers'....

One thing I do see in them, which I have to remind in other children is the importance of seat belts in vehicles. I often have to remind their friends, when they are in my car to 'belt up'....(and put their seat belts on..bloody noisy kids!)

[ca092003]

Guys

Thanks for the responses - very useful.

[MilnerR]

I was brought up on a farm and from the age of 9 or 10 was driving cars/vans/tractors/lorries. What it allowed me to do when i started to have driving lessons was learn roadcraft from a good instructor without having to worry about driving and controlling the car. It also saved me a fortune in lessons.....