Keep kids safe as they return to school
On Tuesday, Sept. 4, children throughout the community will head back to school on their bikes, buses, and on foot. Area law enforcement officials want to remind motorists to use extra caution during the morning arrival times and the afternoon dismissal times. Wrong choices on the road can have dire consequences.
Statistics involving children:
• In Idaho in during calendar year 2010, a total of 92 fatal and injury crashes which involved pedestrians between 4 and 19 years old were reported. Of all pedestrians involved in crashes in 2010, 99 percent received some degree of injury. Of those injured or killed in pedestrian crashes, 26 percent were between the ages of 4 and 14.” (Idaho Traffic Crashes 2010)
• Across the nation in 2010, 4,280 pedestrians died which was an increase of 4 percent from 2009.
• In 2010, one-fifth (19 percent) of all children between the ages of 5 and 9 who were killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Children age 15 and younger accounted for 7 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in 2010 and 23 percent of all pedestrians injured in traffic crashes across the nation. (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts, 2010 Data)
Motorists should exercise a heightened awareness in and around school zones and in residential neighborhoods. Children do not always follow the rules of the road and they may enter the street from between two cars, ride their bike through a red light, or skateboard into traffic.
Potential hazards are much easier to perceive if you are driving at or below the posted speed limit.
Whether they walk or ride, parents can help keep their children safe by teaching them a few simple rules:
School bus riders:
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
• Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus.
• Stay away from the bus until the driver gives the signal that it’s OK to approach.
• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out.
Walkers and bikers:
• If possible, never walk alone — travel with a buddy.
• Obey all traffic signals and obey the crossing guard.
• Always wear your bike helmet and a wear reflective material to make you more visible to street traffic.
Some key tips for motorists include:
• Slow down in or near school or residential areas and be sure to come to a complete stop at all intersections.
• Look for clues such as crossing guards; bicycles and playgrounds that indicate children could be in the area.
• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.
• Always stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students. It’s the law.
• Leave a little early so you are not rushed as you travel to work or school.
• Drive with your headlights on — even during the day — so children and other drivers can see you.
Safe walking tips for parents include:
• An adult should accompany young children. Older children should walk with a buddy.
• Involve children in selecting the safest route to school/home. Take a practice walk with your children along the route so they become familiar with it.
• Teach children to stop, listen and look for approaching and turning vehicles.
• Discuss the use of crosswalks, and why it’s safer to cross at some corners rather than others.
• Discuss the meanings of traffic signals and markings along the route.
• Teach children that it’s important to cooperate with police, school safety patrols and adult crossing guards.
• Set a good example for children — their actions and attitudes are modeled after their parents.
Thank you for working to keep our children safe.
Daryl Wheeler, sheriff
Bonner County Sheriff’s Office