October is Pedestrian Safety Month, an important reminder to talk with our kids about staying safe around traffic. While many students take the bus or get dropped off at school, plenty of children and teens still walk to and from school every day.
Walking is a great way for kids to build independence, but even familiar routes come with risks. Whether your child is walking to school, heading to a friend’s house, or crossing a busy intersection, a few simple safety habits can make a difference.
Why Teen Pedestrian Safety Deserves Attention
As children get older, parents naturally give them more independence. But with that independence can come distractions, especially when phones and headphones are involved.
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, research found that half of teens surveyed reported crossing the street while distracted by a mobile device.
The research also found that teens who had been hit or nearly hit by a vehicle more frequently reported crossing in the middle of a block or running across the street.
Another important finding? 75% of teen pedestrian deaths in the fatality data examined occurred between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., when visibility is often reduced.
These findings are a reminder that pedestrian safety conversations shouldn’t stop when kids get older. In fact, the teenage years are an especially important time to reinforce safe walking habits.
7 Pedestrian Safety Tips to Share With Your Kids
Safe Kids Worldwide offers several practical recommendations that parents can review with children of all ages.
- Put phones away when crossing the street: Texting, scrolling, or looking at a phone can take attention away from approaching vehicles. Encourage kids and teens to put their devices away before stepping into the street.
- Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks: Whenever possible, children should walk on sidewalks and cross at intersections or marked crosswalks. If there isn’t a sidewalk, they should walk facing oncoming traffic, as far away from vehicles as possible.
- Look left, right, and left again: Remind kids to check for approaching vehicles before crossing and continue looking as they make their way across the street. Even when a crossing signal indicates it’s safe to walk, they should stay alert.
- Watch for turning and backing vehicles: Not every vehicle will be traveling straight ahead. Drivers making turns or backing out of driveways and parking spaces may not immediately see pedestrians.
- Make sure drivers see you: Encourage children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing when possible. They should never assume a driver has seen them or will stop.
- Be visible in low-light conditions: As the days get shorter in the fall, students may find themselves walking in the early morning or evening when visibility is reduced. Bright clothing, reflective accessories, and extra awareness can help drivers spot pedestrians.
- Set an example: Children learn by watching adults. Putting your own phone away, using crosswalks, and paying attention to traffic reinforces the same habits you’re teaching your kids.
For additional guidance, visit Safe Kids Worldwide’s Pedestrian Safety Tips.
Take a Few Minutes to Talk About Safety
Pedestrian Safety Month is a good opportunity to revisit the basics, even if your child has been walking the same route for years.
For younger children, consider walking the route together and pointing out safe places to cross. Safe Kids Worldwide recommends that children under 10 cross streets with an adult, since younger children may have difficulty judging the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
For teenagers, focus on distractions, visibility, and making safe decisions when walking with friends. A quick reminder to put the phone away or use the crosswalk could make a meaningful difference.
And remember, pedestrian safety isn’t just a responsibility for those on foot. Drivers also need to slow down in school zones, watch carefully when turning, and stay alert for children and teens near roadways.
We’re Here When You Need Us
At LS Injury Law, we know how devastating pedestrian accidents can be for individuals and families. Even when pedestrians take precautions, accidents can still happen.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a pedestrian accident, we’re here to help you understand your options. You don’t need to know whether you have a case before reaching out.
Contact LS Injury Law for a free consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
Learn more about how we help pedestrian accident victims: Denver Pedestrian Accident Lawyers.
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