Need help w/toddler running away

mysticriver

DS (2.5 y.o) is getting really bad about just bolting lately when we're out and about.  He almost always does it when we're trying to get out in the morning or coming back home and I have a zillion things in my hand - he'll just take off down the street.  We live in a traffic-y area, so it's a big safety issue.

When things are calm he can be fine, he knows the "hold hands or mommy/daddy/the stroller has to hold you" rule, and he knows not to run into the street, he's usually well-behaved when things are going his way.  But when I'm trying to do something else or I tell him no and he acts up he'll run anywhere, it's really dangerous.

What do you do?  How do you discipline?  Time-out seems useless (esp. on a busy morning) and the only consequence-based reactions are things like carrying him, which he doesn't really see as a punishment (sometimes that's what he wants) but it makes my life harder.

 Ideas?  Do I just have to keep him strapped in a stroller on the way between the front door and the car door until he grows out of this?

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We started a little younger than 2.5 being beyond strict with this rule. Hands in the street, almost always (or he can walk on grass) and DS must stop when we say stop. When he messes up (like all toddlers do) we do some very boring and long time outs wherever we are (e.g. on other people's lawns), even if I have to hold him on my lap. In general, being outside is a huge motivator so in the end, DS would rather listen then sit on someone's lawn watching everyone else have fun.

One time, at the park, I did a time out like 7 times. 7 loooong times. It sucked and I got dirty looks but in the end, it was worth it. DS is frigging fast and I worry about the cars...

brightning

My DD is almost 2. She bolts sometimes - never into the street, but I do worry about that.

For her, though, being picked up is the punishment. She wants to be independent! I NEVER let her walk in a parking lot unless DH is there and each of us can hold one of her hands. Otherwise, I always carry her. She doesn't fight that anymore, but she doesn't like it.

If we're in the store shopping and she runs off and won't stay by the cart, I'll try to distract/redirect, otherwise I pick her up.

We park in the garage, so it's not hard to contain her - I just keep the garage door closed until she's contained. She loves to help, so I often ask her to carry things. She does much better when she has a job! I also give DD the car keys so she can push the buttons to unlock the car. She takes it very seriously.

We don't do timeouts or anything yet. I just try to be encouraging and cheerful. When she has to be picked up and she's kicking and screaming, I try to be matter-of-fact about it, not upset with her. Really, distraction works the best so far.