Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Some people prefer to avoid buying or renting a house on a busy street. Sometimes, however, the perfect house’s only setback is a busy road, and you decide it’s worth the risk. You aren’t alone; many loving and protective families purchase homes on high-traffic streets. There are some features of living on a car-heavy road that you’ll have to get used to, but you can keep your family safe with some practical strategies.
Install Fencing or Hedges
The best way to keep speeding drivers away from playful kids is with fencing. There are many types of fencing to fit your budget and aesthetic preferences. Wood fencing is a classic choice that can hold up for many years with proper care, and it can be as tall or as short as you’d like. Wood is also budget-friendly and can offer privacy. Metal fencing isn’t as sturdy or private, but it’s cost-effective and can keep kids from wandering too close to the road. Other materials like vinyl can be cost-effective and customizable, too. Privacy, height, and durability will be your main goals for fencing. Tall trees and hedges on their own or in addition to a fence can add additional layers of security and curb appeal. Fences and hedges are perfect for pet owners; you’ll also want to keep your dogs from accidentally running into the street.
Teach Kids About Road Safety
Your kids must understand that cars are faster and closer than they sometimes appear. The road should never be crossed or entered without supervision or looking in all directions. Teach younger children to cross the street with an adult. For your older kids or teenagers, you’ll want to stress the importance of looking in all directions and paying attention to traffic before biking or walking on busy streets. Explain to your kids that drivers cannot always see them, especially when visibility is limited, like rain or dusk. When you teach your kids proper road safety rules, you can mitigate the risk of them wandering into the street or leaving with a stranger. Kids will be kids, however, so this shouldn’t be your only prevention tactic.
Keep a Watchful Eye
You should always have at least one eye on your kids when playing outside, especially near a busy street. Cars can come out of nowhere and cause pedestrian accidents. Further, anyone can stop on the side of the road easily and entice your children to go with them. Don’t let your kids wander out of sight or play near the road. If they are playing close to traffic, go outside with them; whatever you’re working on can wait. If your chores or work can’t wait, they should play elsewhere until they can be safely supervised.
Post Signage
On busy streets, you may find residential houses with signs in their yard directing drivers to slow down or keep an eye out for kids. If your neighborhood or county allows it, consider placing at least one such sign in the front of your yard where passing drivers can view it. A ‘slow down’ sign won’t deter all drivers, but it may help a few keep a watchful eye out for kids at play.
Know Your Rights
Safety precautions and barriers will protect your family from most accidents. However, there is a risk of speeding, distracted, or impaired drivers who do not follow the rules of the road properly. You should always prepare your family for these circumstances as best as possible. Maintain a safe distance from the road in case of impaired drivers. Don’t assume a driver can see you or will stay on the road. In negligence cases, you always have a right to press charges and pursue legal action against anyone accidentally or intentionally trying to cause you harm. You can hire a pedestrian accident lawyer to represent you at any time.
Set Boundaries
Your kids’ play will likely take them all over the yard and sometimes into the street (especially when a ball gets thrown too far). Establish rules and boundaries with your kids. Don’t allow them to play past a certain line in the grass or driveway. Ensure they ask permission before fetching a ball or item from the street.
Move It to the Back
If you have more than one yard that your family can enjoy, like a front and back yard, you can switch yards for a safer experience. If the busy street is only in front of your yard, consider making the play area in the backyard. If the busier street is accessible from the back, you may want to move things to the front yard instead. You don’t need to worry about curb appeal as much as your kids’ safety!
Provide Fresh Air
Constant traffic and nearby cars can add extra pollution to the air, reducing the quality of the outside and inside air. In addition to appropriate air conditioning filters, consider purchasing an air purifier for your home. Air purifiers will provide additional filtering for cleaner air to reduce the prevalence of airborne allergens, harmful air pollution, and airborne toxins. What an air purifier can filter depends on the model and type, so do your research before purchasing.
White Noise
Cars can be loud and interrupt sleep when sirens or horns are blasting down the street all night. If you or your kids are lighter sleepers, consider purchasing a large fan or white noise machine to mask the loud sounds of the cars. A consistent, steady noise can make sleep much easier than loud honking every once in a while.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
