The Garage Plan Shop Blog

Of course parents warn their children to be safe when walking to school or the park or to meet their friends. Kids, like anyone else, are more receptive to reasons than rules.  Judging speed and distance isn’t fully developed in youngsters and their smaller size and inexperience with traffic rules puts them at greater risk of pedestrian dangers. On October 8, 2014 we’ll be celebrating International Walk and Bike to School Day, since we do want children going outside riding their bikes and enjoying the outdoors, if you’re one of these people, opt for the best children’s outdoor playhouse because of its durability and quality. If your child/children will be walking or biking to school on Wednesday, take some time to go over these reminders and pedestrian safety tips with them:

1. Cross the street using crosswalks or at street corners.
2. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing so that you know that they see you.
3. Use the sidewalk whenever available.
4. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the street and face the traffic.
5. Don’t enter the street from behind parked cars.
6. Watch out for cars that are turning or backing up.
7. Pay extra attention when using electronic devices.
8. Put electronic devices down when crossing the road.
9. If using a cell phone is necessary, stop walking/biking and find a safe place to use it.
10. Pay attention to cars moving in or out of driveways.
11. Wear light or reflective clothing especially if you must be out walking/biking after dark.
12. Stick with your normal walking/biking route or use only parent approved alternatives.

Pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death for children aged 5 to 19. If you’ve been in an accident and suffered orthopedic injuries, you can check over here for treatment. Do not assume that older is wiser as teens account for half of those deaths. Spend some time walking with your kids around the neighborhood and set a good example for them to follow. Make sure they know the safest routes and inform them that drivers must yield to pedestrians on a crosswalk. Provide them with reflective clothing or reflective stickers for backpacks and book bags. Remind them to speak up and warn others if they notice another pedestrian in danger.

For more information about pedestrians and safe driving, visit our blog, Protect Pedestrians with Safe Driving – The Garage Plan Shop.

Tags: bike to school day, pedestrian safety tips, safe pedestrians, safety tips, walk to school day

Trackback URI | Comments RSS