Walk this way back to school
By Tucson Medical Center
·
07/25/2023
Who doesn’t remember their parents shouting, “Look both ways!” as their 10-year-old self jetted out the front door?
In today’s world of busy streets and endless distractions, keeping kids safe means going a little further than the proverbial ‘look both ways’ of the last generation. More than 40 children a day are hit by a vehicle while walking in the US. Jessica Mitchell, Safe Kids Pima County Coordinator, provides walking safety guidelines for parents, families and children of all ages:
Tips for children
- If you are using a cell phone, headphones or a game, remember to put devices down when you are walking or crossing the street.
- Look left, right and left again when crossing the street. And continue looking until safely across.
- It is always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
- Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Be especially careful in parking lots or when crossing driveways.
- Ideally, walk with a friend or older sibling to school.
- If you’re going to be walking in the dark, make sure you have some brightly colored backpacks, jackets or accessories so that drivers are able to see you.
Tips for parents and caregivers
- The ability to judge speed and distance of oncoming cars begins to develop around 10 years of age. Before 10 years of age, your child should be crossing the street with an adult.
- If your child is ready to walk to school without an adult, go on a practice run first, practicing safe street crossing and at designated street crossings. Most pedestrian deaths happen mid-block, not at intersections.
- Talk to your children about how to be safe while walking. Walk on the sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, use traffic signals and crosswalks.
- Teach your children to put down devices when walking and model that behavior.
- Remind your children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and to watch for cars that are turning and backing up.
- When driving, be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones and be on the lookout for bikers, walkers or runners who may be distracted or may step into the street unexpectedly.
