Pedestrian Safety Tips

Teach Children How to Cross the Street Safely

1. Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street, even if you’re at a crosswalk or if there is a walk signal. Then remind them to continue looking until safely across.
2. It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street comers, using traffic signals and
   crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
3. Just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you. Try to make eye contact with
   approaching drivers so you know that they see you.
4. Wait for the car and driver to stop before you cross and then follow the walk signs.
5. Children under 10 need to cross the street with an adult. Every child is different, but developmentally, most
   kids are unable to judge the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age 10.
6. Encourage kids to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up. Be careful in parking lots,
   driveways, and other places where pedestrian crashes are common. Look for signs that a car is about to
   move or back up, such as rear lights, the sound of the motor, and wheels turning.
7. Teach kids not to run or dart out into the street or cross between parked cars.
8. If kids are walking when it’s dark out, teach them to be especially alert and make sure they are visible to
   drivers. Have them wear light- or brightly-colored clothing and reflective gear.

Take Action Against Distraction

1. Cross the street responsibly – don’t text, listen to music, or do anything else that will distract you. Stay aware
   of your surroundings and walk, don’t rnn, across the street.
2. Teach kids to put phones, headphones and devices down when crossing the street. It is particularly important to
   reinforce the message with teenagers.
3. Pull headphones down or tum off the volume before crossing the street.
4. Be aware of others who may be distracted and speak up when you see someone who is in danger.
5. If kids need to use a cell phone, teach them to stop walking and find a safe area to talk.

Let Your Actions Speak as Loudly as Your Words

1. Be a good role model. Set a good example by putting your phone, headphones and devices down when walking
   around cars.
2. When driving, put cell phones and other distractions in the back seat or out of sight until your final destination.
3. Be especially alert and slow down when driving in residential neighborhoods and school zones. Be on the lookout
   for bikers, walkers or runners who may be distracted or may step into the street unexpectedly.
4. Give pedestrians the right of way and look both ways when making a turn to spot any bikers, walkers or runners who may not be immediately visible.

By following these tips while driving and teaching your kids to be cautious pedestrians, you can help keep your children out of harm’s way throughout the school year.