Did you know that in 2010, 501 child pedestrians were killed as a result of being hit by a motor vehicle?
For the thirteenth year, Safe Kids and FedEx will team up to teach school children how to be safe pedestrians as they walk to and from school.
Safe Kids Worldwide will hold more than 1,000 International Walk to School Day activities, raising awareness around specific pedestrian dangers or issues in local communities.
Follow the tips below to make sure you keep your children safe while they are walking to and from school
Top Walking to School Safety Tips
Tips for Walkers
Developmentally, most kids can't judge speeds and distances until at least age 10, so younger kids need to cross with an adult
Did you know most walking injuries happen mid-block or someplace other than intersections? Whenever possible, cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, and keep looking and listening while crossing
Walk, don't run, when crossing the street
It's always best to walk on sidewalks or paths, but if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible
Remove headphones when crossing the street
If you need to use your phone, stop walking
Distraction among drivers is at an all-time high today, so try to make eye contact with the driver before you step into the road
Tips For Drivers
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones, before and after school hours
Most walkers are injured mid-block, not at intersections, so watch out for kids who may dart into traffic or cross where they shouldn't
Give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk
Using cell phones, even hands-free, makes it harder for drivers to be alert to walkers who may also be distracted on cell phones
Top Walking to School Safety Tips
