Pedestrian Safety

Air date: 9/8/2003

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Whether it's around the corner, to a friend's house or work, or simply as exercise to clear the mind after a long day indoors - people love to walk. It's not just an exercise, it affects our health, it's good for the environment, and it’s all about improving our quality of life. Unfortunately, putting one foot in front of the other is becoming a more complex task.

During the last decade, thousands of pedestrians died and more than a million others were injured in pedestrian-vehicle crashes. The statistics tell the story of pedestrians, drivers, and others who may not have been paying attention to their environment. As pedestrians, we don't often look both ways when crossing the street; we ignore traffic signals at intersections; many times we are unaware of traffic moving around us. As drivers, we aren't always aware of pedestrians because our vision is blocked, or we don't anticipate the presence of a pedestrian.

Teach your children the "5 Steps to Safety Crossing the Street"

1. Stop.
2. Look both ways.
3. Listen for traffic.
4. Wait until street is clear and all traffic has stopped.
5. Make eye contact with drivers to be sure they see you.

Pedestrian Tips

• Watch for drivers making unexpected moves. Assume drivers can't see you.
• Use the pedestrian lights if the intersection is equipped with them, and always check for traffic before stepping onto the crosswalk or road. Count to three and look around, even if the light says it's your turn to cross.
• If there aren't any pedestrian crossing lights, then wait until it is safe to cross, keep your head up and make eye contact with drivers.
• Watch for green turn arrows and don't cross the street on them. You are cutting motorists off from making their turns.
• Children under age nine should always be accompanied by an adult or an older child when crossing the street.
• Make yourself visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing.

Driver Tips

• Approach intersections with caution. Always be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians even if you have a green light.
• If you are the first car to stop at an intersection, stop behind the line or crosswalk.
• Watch for cyclists and pedestrians at all times, especially when visibility is poor. You must yield to them when making a turn.
• Always use your turn signals well in advance of making any move so other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians know what you are doing.
• Use extreme caution when passing a stopped car at an intersection. It might have stopped for a pedestrian.
• Be especially careful with blind pedestrians noticeable by a white cane or guide dog. Sounding your horn will not help them and only confuse them.
• Be especially careful with physically disabled pedestrians and those in wheelchairs.
• Right Turns On Red - Watch for pedestrians and cyclists when making turns.

International Walk Your Child To School Day, October 8

REMSA (Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority), the lead organization for SAFE KIDS Washoe County will be joining Approximately 5,000 Washoe County elementary students and students from schools from around the country to celebrate Walk to School Day on October 8, 2003. This is the seventh year this national event has been held. Last year, students, parents, and community leaders from all 50 U.S. states walked to school together that day. The idea is to walk to school together with a purpose — to promote health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment. Walkers from the U.S. will be joining many countries from around the world to celebrate the fourth International Walk to School Day.

Parent Patrol Program

The Parent Patrol Program, hopes to increase community awareness of child safety issues, as related to the education of children and promote active community partnerships that support their goals by empowering and supporting pro-active, positive parent involvement to keep our campuses free of crime and violence through a strong advocacy for school safety.

Parents who are interested in becoming more involved with the Parent Patrol program please visit www.parentpatrol.org or call Shari Pheasant for more information at 359-5437.

Additional Resources

Parent Patrol

Walk To School Day

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720