Why are toddlers at a stage that presents significant safety issues?

Toddlers are at a stage that presents significant safety issues primarily because they do not yet understand risks and consequences, combined with an increase in mobility. As toddlers develop, they become more curious about their surroundings and start to explore more independently. This literal urge to investigate can lead them into potentially dangerous situations, as they may not recognize hazards such as hot surfaces, sharp objects, or traffic.

Additionally, their limited understanding of cause and effect means they may not grasp what could happen if they touch a hot stove or run into a busy street. Their newfound ability to move around quickly—walking, climbing, and sometimes running—outpaces their cognitive understanding of danger, which heightens the risk of accidents. This combination of limited risk awareness and high mobility is what makes safety a critical concern during toddlerhood.