With Halloween approaching and daylight hours growing shorter, we need to focus on keeping our students safe on their way to and from school. Now more than ever, all pedestrians and drivers must be mindful of the rules of the road.
Fatalities among young pedestrians most often occur during after-school hours. By reviewing and following these essential guidelines, we can ensure a safe season for our community.
Safety Tips for All Walkers
1. Stop, Look, and Listen: Teach children the routine: Stop at the curb, Look Left, Right, and Left again before crossing, and continue looking until safely across.
2. Use Crosswalks: Always cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. Make eye contact with drivers before stepping out. Never assume a car sees you!
3. Ditch the Distractions: Put away cell phones, headphones, and other electronic devices when walking. You need your eyes and your ears to navigate safely.
4. Be Visible: If there is no sidewalk, always walk facing traffic and as far away from the road as possible. As evenings get darker, wear bright colors or reflective gear to make yourself easier for drivers to spot.
5. Walk, Don't Run: Never run, chase a ball, or dart out into the street. Be extra cautious of cars entering or exiting driveways and cars backing up in parking lots.
A Note to Parents and Guardians
Please be a good role model by following these rules.
- Supervise: All children under the age of 10 should cross the street with an adult.
- Drive Distraction-Free: When driving, especially in school zones, slow down, be patient, and eliminate all distractions (phones, etc.) to focus solely on the road and surrounding children.
Your attention to these details is the most important factor in keeping our streets safe.
