Auto/Pedestrian Safety:
In 2015, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States. This averages to one crash-related pedestrian death every 1.6 hours. Additionally, almost 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.[1]
Here are some safety tips to help keep the children around you safe while you walk near traffic:
- Children 10 years and younger still need guidance and supervision when playing and walking near traffic.
- Pre-schooler should not be allowed to walk across the street alone.
- Always hold the hand of a preschooler when crossing the street.
- When crossing a street your child should always cross at the corner, an intersection, or at a crossing area.
- Walk alertly; use your eyes and your ears to increase your safety. Avoid distractions like cell phones or head phones while walking.
- Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for moving cars while crossing the street.
- Look for signs that a car is about to move (brake lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning).
- Cross when clear, and keep looking left and right.
- Drivers, take extra precautions in school zones and neighborhood areas where children and teenagers may be walking or riding bikes.
[1] ( Beck LF, Dellinger AM, O’Neil ME. Motor vehicle crash injury rates by mode of travel, United States: Using exposure-based methods to quantify differences. Am J Epidemiol 2007;166:212–218.) (CDC May 24, 2017 )
