Walking and Biking to School Safely

By Mike Glisson | October 1, 2018

International Walk and Bike to School Day is October 10th and is a great time to bring up the best ways of your kids doing so safely.

“In 2016, 5,987 pedestrians and 840 bicyclists were killed in motor vehicle crashes. They accounted for more than 18 percent of all fatalities on our roads.” It is September so school is well underway. Many students may walk to their bus stop or even to school. Here at Glisson Law we want to make it a priority to teach them how to do so as safely as possible.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration came up with a list of tips to share with your kids in order to ensure this.

“Walking

  • Watch the road, not your phone.
  • Walk on the sidewalk or, if there is none, walk facing traffic.
  • When crossing the street, cross at a corner or marked crosswalk.
  • Stop and look left-right-left for vehicles, motorcycles, and bicyclists. Wait to cross after traffic has passed.
  • Be sure to push the pedestrian button and wait for pedestrian crossing signals, if available.
  • And never play, push, or shove others when you walk around traffic.

Biking

  • Wear a properly fitted helmet and be sure to buckle the chin strap.
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic and stop at all stop signs and signals.
  • Use routes that offer bike lanes or that have less traffic and lower speeds.
  • Ride in the same direction as traffic, be careful of pedestrians, and use caution when crossing streets. Only ride on the sidewalk when necessary, unless prohibited.”

In addition to these safety tips National Safety Council offered some tips to share on riding the bus.

“Bus Riders                      

  • Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
  • Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
  • If seat belts are available, buckle up
  • Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
  • Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers”

If you or your child is in pedestrian accident call us today at 618.462.1077. for a free consultation.

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