Thiruvananthapuram: Children are driven by curiosity and wonder. Their attention is quickly captivated by anything appealing a brightly colored ice cream van, a balloon, or the familiar face of a loved one across the street. In these moments, their sense of danger disappears. Their only focus is on what they desire, and that single-minded attention can lead to grave consequences on busy roads.
Imagine a child stepping off a school bus and seeing their mother waiting on the opposite side of the street. Their immediate instinct will be to run toward her, paying no attention to the vehicles in motion. Similarly, a child walking with an adult might suddenly spot something exciting and pull away, rushing into traffic. These are not rare incidents they are real-life possibilities that unfold in a matter of seconds.
That is why the responsibility to ensure safety falls firmly on the shoulders of adults. The Kerala Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) has issued a reminder emphasizing the need for heightened caution while accompanying children on the roads. Adults should always walk on the right side of the road, against traffic, and hold the child's left hand with their right. This positioning ensures the child remains farther from traffic and minimizes the risk of sudden movement toward danger.
Crossing the road must also be done with utmost care. Adults are advised to look both ways thoroughly and only cross when it is entirely safe, never allowing children to take independent steps on their own. Children are too young to judge traffic speed, distance, or road behavior accurately.
Even everyday situations demand attentiveness whether it’s walking near a school, waiting at a bus stop, or strolling through a market. A child’s actions may be unpredictable, but adult caution can provide the control needed to prevent accidents. Let every outing with children be one guided by safety, alertness, and a firm hand. Their curiosity is a gift let’s ensure it never turns into a tragedy.