Guest post: Keep your kids safe on the road this winter

The winter time is a truly beautiful spectacle with icy dew, glittering frost and the occasion snowfall transforming towns, village and countryside’s. But behind the mesmerising views in an element of danger as surfaces become slippery, terrain is hidden and visibility is hindered making for one frightening formula.

With this in mind, it’s important to consider not only your own safety but the safety of your children on the roads around this time of the year. Innocently, they may not be aware of the dangers surrounding roads, pavements and traffic and will unsurprisingly be more concerned with playing and exploring this new environment. So we’ve teamed up with Discount Car Parts Online, the UK’s leading supplier of car and service parts with over 50 years’ experience in the motor industry, to guide parents on how to keep their children safe when near roads this festive season.

Slips & Falls  These are the most common injuries sustained, not just by children and can lead serious injuries, not exactly the way you want to start the new year. In fact, the Hospital Episode Statistics for England stated that there were over 7,000 patient admissions to hospitals across the UK in 2012/13 as a results of falls, trips and slips on ice and snow.

Clothing & Footwear Make sure your kids:

• Wear appropriate footwear that is sturdy, waterproof and has good grip for traction.
• Wear appropriate clothing and wrap up warm in layers. Make sure scarfs, gloves and clothing are not loosely hung causing tripping hazards.
• Do not wander from your sight – especially near traffic or built-up areas. Breaking distances are significantly increased in icy conditions so give them fluorescent bibs or brightly coloured clothing to wear.

Terrain Keep an eye out for uneven or unpredictable terrain and steer your children away from passing that way if possible. Consider minimising the need to go out or plan a safe route that you know will be suitably gritted with good visibility. Avoid slopes, steps and hills that may not have been treated. Take your children to secure and safe play areas and parks to run around in the snow and let off some steam. Why not organise to go with a group of friends and their kids – many sets of eyes are better than one!

Take Your Time Finally, the most important thing to remember is that you tell children to take their time in wintry conditions. All children are filled with boundless energy and often prefer to run or rush when excited. Lead by example and give yourself plenty of time to reach destinations, wherever it may be, so that you are not rushing for time yourself.

A combination of all these tips will ensure that you and your family stay safe this winter. It can easy to forget just how dangerous snowy and icy conditions can be and it’s important to constantly remind kids and teens about how to stay safe. The last thing you want to do is start the new year by taking a trip to A & E, so take precautions, be prepared and stay safe during the winter time.

Blogger Phil Warrington pens safety tips to keeping kids and your children safe near roads in wintry conditions in association with Discount Car Parts Online.