Walking to School: Tips for Keeping Kids Safe

October 2 marks National Walk to School Day, a day dedicated to encouraging kids (and their parents!) to get up and move by walking to school when it’s feasible. Walking to school provides numerous health benefits, to be sure, but it also requires an awareness of the potential risks involved. The NTSB estimates that about 25,000 children are injured each year walking to school. Safety should always be the priority, and by adhering to essential safety protocols, we can ensure that children remain safe on their journey to and from school. Let’s discuss what children and parents can do to reduce these risks so that walking to school remains a healthy pastime.

Safety Tips for Kids

Let’s begin with some basic safety rules to make your children aware of:

• Use Crosswalks and Sidewalks: Children should always use designated crosswalks when crossing the street. Always look both ways before stepping onto the road and wait for traffic to stop completely. Sidewalks are the safest space for walking, keeping children away from the danger of moving vehicles.
• Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Kids should avoid distractions like mobile devices or headphones while walking. Staying alert means paying attention to their surroundings, which is vital for spotting potential hazards. Urge them to be attentive to the sounds of vehicles and the movements of nearby pedestrians.
• Walk in a Group: Walking in groups increases visibility and safety. Groups are more noticeable to drivers, reducing the risk of accidents. Moreover, it encourages social interaction and allows children to learn responsibility as they look out for each other.

Guidance for Parents

Here are some helpful ways parents can improve their child’s safety while walking to school:

• Teach Traffic Signals and Rules: Parents should educate their children on the meaning of traffic signals and the importance of obeying them. Familiarizing kids with pedestrian signals and stop signs and the significance of waiting for green lights can significantly enhance their safety.
• Plan a Safe Route: Before school starts, parents should walk the route with their children to identify the safest paths, highlighting areas to avoid and the safest places to cross streets. This preparation helps children become comfortable with the route and aware of potential hazards.
• Set a Good Example: Model safe behavior by following the rules of the road (and crosswalk) yourself. Children often imitate adult behavior, and demonstrating safe pedestrian practices reinforces what you’ve taught them.

While we strive to keep our children safe, accidents can still happen due to another’s negligence. If your child suffers an injury while walking to school, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact us to discuss your case and explore your options for securing the justice and compensation your child deserves.