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For good reasons, parents thoroughly indoctrinate small children with the idea that it's their job to keep out of the way of cars; if they step into the road they're being Very Naughty Indeed, and cars are an uncaring force of nature that can't be expected to slow or keep out of the way.

It's a shame there isn't an equally strong indoctrination campaign in the other direction when those same children become old enough to drive, to say that it's their job not to hit people under any circumstances.




Not where I live, in Utah. Here, people constantly stop, and block traffic, if kids are anywhere near crossing a street. It is very sweet, but terribly dangerous, as it teaches kids exactly the opposite of what you are saying. They grow up here thinking that cars will stop. Kids run into the street all the time. I go blocks, or sometimes miles, out of my way to avoid driving anywhere near elementary schools at the times kids are going to or leaving school because I fear how often they simply run out in front of you.

The education that is needed is more universal - cars will crush people. Whether you are behind the wheel or not, do what is needed to respect that fact and avoid anyone getting hurt.


As a parent of 4 I am shocked to see some kids run into the road without looking out for cars first. More parents should “indoctrinate” their kids about safety. You can’t control other people’s/driver’s actions, but you can teach your kids about basic safety.


Absolutely you can.

My worry is that once this idea has been thoroughly instilled in children's heads when they're small, it's still there when they're older and in charge of dangerous machinery, so somewhere deep down they believe that avoiding death-by-car is naturally the pedestrian's job.

I don't suggest this is a reason not to put the idea there in the first place, rather that we should work as hard as possible to get to a situation where once they're driving they behave as if they believe the responsibility is all theirs.




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