With more and more children and teenagers owning digital devices, it is crucial that children understand the importance of pedestrian safety. Findings from studies conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System indicate walking injuries are on the rise with over 1,110 people treated annually in hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. for injuries sustained while walking and using a cell phone or other electronic device. And according to statistics posted on www.safekids.org, 61 children are hit by cars every day in the United States.
As children prepare for the new school year, they need to learn and practice basic safety tips while walking to and from school, around school buses and cars and to other activities. While it’s important to keep these rules in mind during the school year, they should be practiced at all times.
- Do not walk, talk and text.
- If you have to talk or text, move out of the way of others and to the side of the walkway.
- Do not cross or walk in the street while using an electronic device.
- Do not walk with headphones in your ears.
- Be aware of your surroundings, especially in congested areas.