Children in traffic

Children are among the most vulnerable road users because they have limited ability to assess speed, distance and danger. As a driver, you have a special responsibility to adapt your driving when children are nearby.

Why children are unpredictable

• Children have tunnel vision and do not see cars coming from the side
• They may run into the road without warning to retrieve a ball or reach a friend
• Children under 10 lack the ability to judge distance and speed of vehicles
• They often confuse seeing a car with being seen by the driver

Zones with extra care

Read more about speed in these areas in speed at schools and kindergartens and speed in residential zones .

If you see one child, expect more

An important rule to remember is that children are rarely alone. If you see one child by the road, you should expect more to appear. They can come from behind parked cars, bushes or fences.

Parked cars hide children

Children are low and can be completely hidden behind parked cars. Before starting from a parked position, walk around the car to check. In blind spots and blind spots you learn more about how the zone directly in front of and behind the car is dangerous.

Driving at school shuttles and bus stops

When a school bus stops to drop off children, be prepared for children to cross the road. Stop if necessary, even if you do not have a formal right of way. Read more about crosswalks and pedestrians .

On the theory test

Questions about children are almost always about slowing down and being prepared for the unexpected. The answer is never to trust the child to see you or stop.

Further reading

• Speed at schools and kindergartens
• Speed in residential zone
• Crosswalks and pedestrians
• Blind spots and blind spots