Thousands of children join the traffic

Children perceive traffic differently

We must keep in mind that children think and perceive their environment differently. What adults and experienced road users see as simple and predictable can be confusing for a child. Children do not have the same ability to judge the speed of cars, distances, or danger. They are often also occupied with their own thoughts, play, and conversations, and may therefore suddenly run out into the street. In addition, they are small in stature and are often hard to see between cars or over vegetation and curbs. This is one of the reasons for speed limits in residential areas, which must be observed without exception.

The safety of schoolchildren is our responsibility

Prevention and good habits in traffic matter when it comes to the safety of schoolchildren. Traffic safety education begins at home, and it is important to teach them, show them, and practice with them. It is a good idea to walk with them to school at first, show them the best route, and explain how to cross the street, where it is safe to walk, and what the rules are. It is important to repeat this regularly. Schools are also in a good position to encourage safety in traffic.

Visibility is very important, and therefore it is necessary that children wear reflectors on their clothing, have lights on their bikes, and that lighting along streets and school grounds is good. The preventive value of reflectors is undeniable, as they enhance the safety of pedestrians. Research shows that drivers see unprotected pedestrians wearing reflectors five times earlier than otherwise, and they can therefore prevent serious accidents. Reflectors are widely available and, for example, are given out free of charge by insurance companies. Drivers must also make sure that their vehicle lights are turned on before heading out into traffic.

Drivers bear a strong responsibility and must keep their attention on driving, respect traffic rules, and adhere to speed limits. A moment’s distraction can have serious consequences. Drivers should always slow down near schools, pedestrian crossings, and in areas where children are present. Driving and mobile phone use do not go together, and in this case, fractions of a second matter. It is not worth taking the screen risk.

Walk to school

Many schools take part in the prevention and public health project “Walk to School,” which is intended to encourage students, parents, and school staff to walk or use another active mode of transport to and from school. The objectives of the project include encouraging more physical activity, promoting a healthy lifestyle, reducing traffic around schools and thereby decreasing congestion, pollution, and speeding near schools, raising awareness about travel modes and environmental issues, and increasing knowledge of the rules related to walking and cycling safety. On the Road Safety Administration’s website, umferd.is, one can also learn about traffic together in a fun way.

Traffic is a cooperative project

One can say that traffic is a kind of ecosystem, even if it is man-made. Traffic relies on the complex interaction of many factors, and it requires cooperation, balance, and awareness of the impact of one’s own behavior for the traffic system to function. Minor disruptions or changes can have a chain reaction, just as when one part of an ecosystem changes and affects all the others.

Traffic is a joint responsibility for all of us, and we all share in it. Just a few seconds can save a child’s life, and therefore it is crucial to give driving our full attention and follow the traffic rules. Safe travels!

The author is a project manager for prevention at Sjóvá.

The article was first published on Vísir’s website on August 19, 2025.