How to stop a bolter (child)

[Brexitstash]

Just turned 4 DS keeps running off. He ran out of a shop this morning and was halfway towards a busy road before he stopped, later this afternoon he merrily skipped into the road part of a carpark without looking. As soon as I look away he's off, no SEN, just lots of energy and no sense.

I've told him that he's going to have to wear his backpack reins if this doesn't stop, he's obviously very against this, I'm very pregnant and he's faster than me.
AIBU to ask for any strategies to stop this before he's run over? Help!

Another vote for reins. Wrist straps are OK for a calm child but allow too much rein for a bolter. (See what I did there?)

Reins. My 5.5 year old does this and it's a massive pain in the neck.

Reins. I never understand people who say (clearly offended) "I would never put reins on my child.... like a dog 🤨...."

Erm yes toddlers are remarkably like dogs. Thus reins are perfect.

I'm joining chorus of reins. Iv had 3 bolters (turns out adhd related). They were super fast. Ended up with reins on back to front so they couldn't unfasten

Reins and ignore any tutters and I say that as a parent of 4 that never had a bolter!!!

Young children are impulsive and far better to be safe than sorry.

Reins.

4 is old enough to understand not to do this. If he doesn’t like the reins, he needs to stop running off, doesn’t he?

You’re in charge!

Mine used to love being on reins, just like the dog 😂

We had reins rather than the backpack as they were more secure on DS's body. The handle unclipped to turn into a longer 'lead' which was good as DS could have that setting unless he mis-behaved, then he went on the shorter 'toddler loop'. If that didn't work, he was put in the buggy.

He got loads better as long as I followed through. We do 123 Magic.

We actually had a lovely older gentleman say it was reassuring to see DS in his reins at a castle we went to. No way he could walk around there without them and everyone was calmer.

DS is now nearly 5. He walks beautifully and holds hands all the time. Reins are hanging up in the cupboard though.