Every time there’s another accident involving a child crossing the street, we hear the same response: “Teach your kids to look both ways.” And yes, we absolutely should. But how are children supposed to learn safety when the adults around them ignore the rules every single day?

Living and driving in Monsey, it’s impossible not to notice it. It’s not only children running into the street. Adults constantly walk straight into traffic without looking, cross wherever they want, ignore crosswalks and signals, and act like the road belongs entirely to them. Children see all of it. They watch adults closely, and they copy what they see far more than what they are told.

We tell kids to stop, look both ways, and cross carefully — but then they watch grown-ups step into traffic without even checking for cars. What message does that send? To a child, that becomes “normal.” They think, “If adults do it, it must be okay.”

Drivers absolutely need to stay alert and cautious at all times. But if we truly want safer streets and fewer tragedies, adults must start leading by example. Practice what you preach. Because even when you think nobody is watching, our children are. And sometimes, what they learn from us can mean the difference between safety and tragedy.

Sincerely

L.D.

The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.