As kids in Pinellas County dust off their backpacks and return to the classroom, discussions about homework and recess are important, but let's not forget the topic of pedestrian safety. According to an advisory released by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, with schools back in session as of Monday, teaching kids how to navigate the streets safely is crucial.
For kids who aren’t speeding along, the focus should be on using the sidewalk. If there isn’t one, they should walk on the shoulder, away from traffic. On quieter roads, they should stay close to the edge and always walk facing oncoming traffic. Parents, make sure there are no distractions—no headphones, no phones—just the road and their full attention to stay safe, as reported by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Intersections are a serious business. "Teach kids to always find the safest place to cross the street," the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office article counsels. The strategy's simple: find the zebra stripes and wait for the green little man or a nod from the guard to press on. Older kids? They've got to get the traffic light tango down—wait for their cue before making a move. Visibility is your friend, too. Avoiding shrubs and sedans that play hide and seek with your offspring is sound advice. Teach them to take a pause before stepping off that curb, look both ways and listen.
Let's talk driveways, not as safe havens but hazards. As per findings by Kids and Car Safety, overlooked by many, kids are at risk. "About 50 kids are backed over in driveways every week in the U.S," the warning states, a sobering statistic that underscores the need for vigilance. Advise your youngest ones to keep their eyes and ears peeled for any signs of an occupied vehicle, as stated by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Add a flashlight to the mix and you've got a safety suit worthy of any mini pedestrian. Lastly, nothing beats a hands-on demo. Walk with your little ones, embody the rules of the road, and pass down pedestrian wisdom to prepare them for the solo journeys ahead, as per the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
