For immediate release: September 2, 2005 (05-112)

Contacts:
Mary Borges, Community Wellness and Prevention 360-236-3606
Jeff Smith, Communications Office 360-236-4022

Children are heading to class
Back to school is a good time to teach children pedestrian safety

OLYMPIA ¾ The salmon are returning to Puget Sound and the Dawgs and Cougs are tearing up the field. In Washington this means fall has returned and it’s time to start thinking about back-to-school safety.

For parents, this is a great opportunity to talk about safety rules with your children. Drivers should remember that there will be lots of folks journeying out in your neighborhoods on their way to class, and they may not be watching for you.

“Parents should teach their children how to be smart pedestrians,” said Mary Borges, SafeKids coordinator with the Washington Department of Health. “It’s also the time of year for drivers to be extra cautious around schools, neighborhoods and play areas because children may not be watching for you as they cross the street. Many children and teens must catch buses in the dark.”

A few simple things can help prevent tragedy. Never allow children under 10 to cross streets alone.  Most children under 10 do not have the necessary judgment and skills to fully understand traffic rules, concepts, distances or speeds. Supervise younger children when they are around motor vehicles, teaching them traffic skills.

Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route. Walk with your child the first few days to ensure that there are sidewalks and appropriate crosswalks. Encourage your child to walk with other children or known adults. Know how long the walk takes and the common routes your child uses.

Here are some other safety tips for parents:

• Make sure that some article of clothing is reflective. Reflective tape and decals can be purchased at many hardware, department and office supply stores. They can be applied to jackets, hats, backpacks and the heels of sneakers. Bright clothing can also make children more visible.

• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing in front of them. Tell them not to assume that because they can see a driver, the driver can see them.

• Instruct children to look left, right and left again when crossing a street and to continue looking as they cross.

• Teach children to never run into the street and to walk facing traffic, as far to the left as possible, when sidewalks are not available.

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