In 2014, over 400 children were injured every day in traffic crashes, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Many of these injuries are preventable by following some simple safety guidelines.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

  1. Make sure your child has a safe route before allowing him or her to walk to school.
  2. Always cross at a crosswalk.
  3. Avoid dashing out between cars.
  4. Do not cross the street alone if you are younger than 10 years old.
  5. Stop at the curb before crossing the street.
  6. Walk, don’t run, across the street.
  7. Look LEFT, RIGHT and LEFT again before crossing.
  8. Walk facing traffic.
  9. Make sure drivers see you before crossing in front of them.
  10. Do not play in driveways, parking lots or unfenced yards by the street.
  11. Wear bright clothing or reflectors when walking at night.
  12. Cross at least 10 feet in front of a school bus.

For more resources and information on safe routes to school, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

ABOUT THE EXPERT

Sally Wilson, RN, BSN, was the Education, Prevention, and Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Trauma and Burns at Children’s National.

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