Since automobiles have been a regular part of society, and possibly even earlier, parents have been telling their kids: “Be careful and look both ways before crossing the street.”
However, kids are not careful enough when it comes to traffic. In school zones especially, far too many kids are being hit by cars, busses and other vehicles. Pedestrians are particularly catastrophic, so it is critical to do everything we can to make sure our children are safe on the roads.
Why Are Kids Getting Into Pedestrian Auto Accidents?
According to Safe Kids Worldwide, 44 kids are hit by automobiles while walking every day in the United States alone.
There are numerous reasons for this alarming number, from crossing in the middle of streets instead of at corners to dangerous pickup and drop off spots to and from school, but one of the most important reasons involves the misuse of smart phone technology.
In far too many instances, young people are crossing streets and entering into traffic while texting or looking at their cell phones. They don’t have any idea what is happening around them or how dangerous their situation is.
Safe Kids Worldwide claims that 1 in 4 children are distracted when crossing the street. This is an alarming number.
How Can We Keep Our Kids Safe?
The most important thing parents can do is teach their kids about safety on the streets. Instill in them the dangers of distracted walking. Help them understand to look both ways when crossing the street and put the phone down when crossing the street.
“Phone Down – Head Up” is the Safe Kids Worldwide slogan for helping young people avoid accidents caused by distracted walking, and it’s a good one. If we can teach our kids to be appropriately careful when walking, we can minimize the instances of serious pedestrian accidents.