Back to School Road Safety Tips For Pedestrians

September 4th, 2014  |  Insurance

1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 to 9 who were killed in traffic accidents were pedestrians - NHSTA

Back to school is not only an important time for drivers to review road safety; it’s also an essential time for pedestrians to review road safety, especially parents and school age children. Keeping our roads safe is a collective effort between drivers and pedestrians. As a pedestrian you also need to do your part.

6 Road Safety Tips For Pedestrians

1. Choose a safe route to school: To reduce potential road safety issues when walking to school, it’s important that you choose a school route with minimal traffic. Walk down side streets rather than busy street that have more traffic. 
2. Watch out for cars and school buses in school zones: School zones are busy places, especially before and after school. Cars, buses, and other vehicles are always going in and out. Be alert and watch out for cars turning into parking lots, turning corners, and driving through school zone areas. 
3. Be predictable: One of the most important things you can do as a pedestrian is to be predictable. Don’t make any sudden movements, cross the street at traffic lights, and avoid doing anything that could catch drivers off guard. 
4. Put your phone away: Drivers are not the only ones that are distracted by their phones. Increasingly pedestrians are walking while distracted. They are looking at their phones rather than watching where they are going – often walking directly into traffic and not paying attention to vehicles in the area. Put your phone away and always be conscious of your surroundings. 
5. Follow the instructions of crossing guards: Crossing guards are in place for a reason. Respect them and pay attention to their instructions. 
6. Be visible: Never assume drivers see you. Just because you can see a driver does not mean they can see you. Be visible at all times. If you are not sure if a driver sees you, wait before crossing the street. 

Learn more by reading Driving and Pedestrian Safety – Looking Both Ways Before Crossing The Street On The Issue

Tips For Parents With Back To School Kids

One of the most important things you can do as a part is talk with your kids about how to be safe when walking to and from school. Your kids are a sponge and the more you teach them about road safety, the more aware they will be of their surroundings. 

• Teach your kids about road signs, what they mean, and how to obey the rules of the road
• Teach them about proper bicycle safety if they ride their bike to school
• Choose a school route that has less traffic
• Consider do a practice run and walk with your kids to school
• Have a procedure for getting in and out of the car in school zones safely
• Talk about proper behavior on the school bus and when waiting at school bus stops

To learn more check out 6 School Zone Road Safety Tips for Parents and Kids

How do you approach talking with your kids about pedestrian safety? What do you think is the most important road safety tip for pedestrians?