Two approaches to child traffic safety education are presented: segregation, and adaptation and/or training. Around 1968, the segregation (conformity at a later age) approach was popular. This approach was based on the theory that children below the age of ten years have neither the sensory nor cognitive ability to cope with modern traffic and therefore should be kept away from it. It was felt that the child should be taught to become a conforming member of the traffic society as soon as he was developmentally ready. The current approach of adaptation and/or training aims to provide young children with the knowledge and skills that will enable them, as early as possible, to judge for themselves what course of action to take when outdoors. The aim is teach children the rules of the game called traffic, rather than overprotecting them by segregating them from its evils. This approach is derived from the observation that children can and do negotiate modern traffic to a considerable extent. The pedestrian task analysis study is described which involves a systematic observation of children to determine children's actions in traffic situations, the reasons for these actions, and the effect of training upon children's response to traffic situations. The information is to be used in teaching children traffic safety skills by demonstrating the desired behavior, practicing in the actual situation, and reinforcement by rewarding correct performance.
Abstract