Injury prevention

1. Injury prevention Pedestrian Safety

2. Being a good role model It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to show a child good and safe habits. You can tell a child all day how to follow the rules, but you must be a good role model so they can see you doing the correct things. It is easier for a child to understand and follow directions if they see someone doing the correct things.

3. Facts • Children are at an increased risk for pedestrian injury and death. This is due to the fact that most children are unable to fully understand the concept of traffic. • Parents are also known to overestimate their child’s traffic skills. • Pedestrian injuries is the second leading cause of unintentional injury related death among children between the ages of 5 and 14 years old. • Pedestrian injuries and deaths are more common in built up areas. • 42% of child pedestrian deaths happen between the hours of 4pm-8pm • 4/5 drive away related incidents happen to children ages four and under

4. Tips • Don’t allow children under the age of 10 to cross the street by themselves. • Use street comers and crosswalks. • Walk on the side walk when it is available. • Be aware of the weather and how it can effect your safety. • Teach children to cross the street at least 10 in front of the bus.

5. Make sure that children play in safe areas. • Wear appropriate colors when out at night. - light colors make it easier for drivers to see pedestrians. • Hold your child’s hand when walking through parking lots. • Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the in front of a car. • Be aware of traffic patterns in your area.

7. Resources • www.Safekids.org • http://fog.ccsf.edu/~lfried/call/pedestriansafety.html • www.ecu.edu/cs-hhp/exss/upload/Energizers_for_Grades_K_2.pdf