LAS VEGAS (KSNV & MyNews3) -- Las Vegas drivers have probably seen little kids walking to school by themselves while driving in a valley school zone. News 3 has some advice to keep kids safe.
This morning News 3’s Dana Wagner has part two of a special look into how to keep these kids safe with some simple street smarts.
Not all kids take the bus. Some walk or ride to school, but experts tell us kids under the age of 10 may not be ready. Dad Trent Torrence agrees.
“I think there should be more parents here walking with their kids-especially at this age,” Torrence says.
It all comes down to judgment and reasoning.
“Typically by ten children will become mature enough to gauge the speed of cars, be able to determine where the safest gap in traffic is,” said North Las Vegas Police spokeswoman Chrissie Coon.
Parents can help their child learn to reason by practicing at home.
Donna Wilburn is a Las Vegas family therapist. She says parents should teach their kids to think three steps ahead using everyday
“It could be-if you choose to play with this friend who picks on you and then what might happen and then what might happen?”
But that's not all. North Las Vegas police suggest parents make a few trial walk-throughs and run through all possible scenarios.
"They should practice both judgment and skill with adults present before you let them go out on their own," Coon says. "I like to tell parents that kids can learn safe walking behaviors, much like a teenager can learn to drive a car."
Impulsive kids might need extra time and there's safety in numbers. But experts say parents shouldn't force older siblings to be responsible for their younger sister or brother. It may be too much responsibility.
