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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:

  1. Children 10 years and younger still need guidance and supervision when playing and walking near traffic.
  2. Pre-schooler should not be allowed to walk across the street alone.  
  3. Always hold the hand of a preschooler when crossing the street.
  4. When crossing a street your child should always cross at the corner, an intersection, or at a crossing area.
  5. Walk alertly; use your eyes and your ears to increase your safety.  Avoid distractions like cell phones or head phones while walking.
  6. Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for moving cars while crossing the street.
  7. Look for signs that a car is about to move (brake lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning).
  8. Cross when clear, and keep looking left and right.
  9. 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 )