When crossing at lighted intersections, safety is paramount and in no way is this video to replace formal orientation and mobility training. This video is provided to help you and your child practice crossing safely at lighted intersections.
1) Stand with your child at the intersection and listen to the flow of traffic and have them tell you about the traffic patterns – where their parallel traffic is located, the perpendicular traffic, and where the right and left turning cars may be located.
2) Have them identify the traffic surges by pointing their finger towards the moving cars. (the surge is when the traffic begins to move after the light has turned green). The surges will help identify their blocker cars – the cars that will become a barrier between them and left turning vehicles.
3) Have them locate and then press the pedestrian signal. They will align their bodies at the corner, being in ready position, and staying on the side away from the intersection. Make sure you stand behind your child as not to interfere with the sounds they need to hear. They will then get into ready position and listen to the traffic sounds and patterns. Remind your child not to judge when it is safe by just listening to the audible pedestrian signal or by others that may be crossing – those are good clues but they need to judge for themselves.
They can move counterclockwise around the intersection, ensuring that there are no right turning vehicles and using their near parallel traffic to be their blocker cars.
They could also move clockwise around the intersection: they would then begin their crossing when they hear the surge of their opposite near parallel traffic (always being aware of potential turning vehicles).
Moving in a straight line of travel is important and they can scan the lanes visually and auditorily as they move across the intersection – listening for their parallel traffic as well as the sounds of idling cars – making the appropriate adjustments for veering. Walking with purpose is important as well as stepping up on the curb as quickly as possible.
Have fun exploring the world with your child!