The importance of road safety in children
Road safety education is one of the transversal themes that occur in schools. By transversal themes we understand those that in spite of not including in the official curriculum with objectives, contents and criteria of evaluation, are named as essential to complement the education of the people.
The Spanish State places special emphasis on this issue since it is the 5th European country where more traffic accidents happen and therefore where more people lose their lives as a result of them. 
Accidents happen and we can not always prevent them, but Good road safety education from an early age not only creates a deeper awareness of road safety (both as a driver and a pedestrian) but provides information about traffic regulations.
For its part, the general knowledge of the rules of circulation by the entire population will make each person know what to do in each situation thus avoiding unexpected actions for the driver or pedestrian. This issue is the result of the need for treatment in schools, since only in 2012 a total of 5,959 children were injured or lost their lives.
Teaching to be a pedestrian and wearing a seatbelt
These two aspects are perhaps the most visible for a child who begins to walk and understand the meaning of "road safety". However from home, like everything, road education begins.
Many times with the rush we decided to skip traffic lights in red as pedestrians (or even as drivers in some occasions). We look to one side and another, we see that nobody comes and we run from one sidewalk to the other. We even do it in front of our children and we emphasize that what we are doing is wrong, and yet we have done it. We love the phrase "do what I say and not what I do", but it is more than proven that the example is the best way to instill values. The words are carried by the wind, but the facts remain in the retina.
Well this is the first step: never cross in red with our son (and preferably when we are alone either) and always wear a seatbelt.
Many children complain when they put the belt, but we must stress that the belt is as necessary to put it as it is to shower every day. It is not an option, it is a duty.
Teaching to be responsible drivers
Although it seems impossible, our way of being at the wheel will condition our son, not only in his future as a driver, but in the conception of what the road means.
We must make them aware of the responsibilities that a driver must have before, during and after driving. With this we refer to the use of the helmet, good food to be alert and maintain attention at all times, avoid taking the car under stress, take breaks and not get behind the wheel when you feel sleepy or fatigue, control the speed and adaptation to road regulations, etc. 
In this way our son will observe, for example, that after several hours of driving it is necessary to stop to stretch your legs, drink sugar and rest for a few minutes. This fact will make you value your safety and that of those around you.
Obviously and it is not necessary to mention it, never, never and under no circumstances to drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or drugs that expressly indicate the impossibility of being behind the wheel.
Teaching the environmental impact of traffic
The harmful gases that any vehicle emits to the environment are a reality that is always present and that all countries have as an annual objective: the reduction of emissions.
Each citizen is also responsible for these emissions to a greater or lesser extent and therefore we must be consistent and avoid as many emissions as possible. We must show that it is always better to use the public transport service than the private car and that for short trips it is better to use means that do not generate harmful gases (walking, cycling, skates ...).
Let us always bear in mind that living on Earth is only a loan and that we must return it as we find it to future generations. This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Pediatrician. We advise you to consult your trusted pediatrician.
