A Message for Parents of Preschool Children

Here are some facts you should know:

Preschool children are quick and often unaware of danger. Each year, many children are injured or killed when they suddenly dart into the path of a car.

• Most preschoolers are injured near their home or on their own street.

• Most crashes involving preschool children happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• Most crashes involving preschoolers occur in fair and warm weather.

• Twice as many preschool boys are injured than preschool girls.

This is How You Can Prevent These Tragedies:

Supervise preschoolers at all times. Preschoolers should not be allowed to cross the street alone. Teach them who can help them cross the street safely.

Teach by explaining. Explain to your child the safe way you cross a street. Say: “When I cross a street, I always stop at the curb. I look for cars. I look left for any traffic coming, and then I look right for traffic coming that way. Then I look left again. When it is clear, I cross the street, and keep looking left and right.”

Teach by example. When you cross a street with your child, always:

• Stop at the curb.
• Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for traffic in all directions.
• Cross when it is clear.
• Keep looking for cars as you cross.

Encourage your child. As you both safely cross the street together, praise the child for copying your safe actions or words. Practice what you teach at all times.

A Message For Parents of Elementary School Children

Below are some common myths that children believe about being a pedestrian. Make sure your child knows the facts.

Myth	A green light means that it is safe to cross.
Fact	A green light means that you may stop and search for cars. Before you step off the curb, look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT, and if it is safe to do so, cross and keep looking left and right as you do so. Be alert for vehicles making a right turn on red.
Myth	You are safe in a crosswalk.
Fact	You may cross at a crosswalk, but before you do, you must stop at the curb. Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for cars. When it is clear, cross and keep looking left and right.
Myth	If you see the driver, the driver sees you.
Fact	The driver may not see you. Make certain the driver sees you and stops before you cross in front of the car. Try to make eye contact with the driver.
Myth	The driver will stop if you are in a crosswalk or at a green light.
Fact	The driver may not see you. The driver’s view may be blocked. The driver may run a traffic light illegally. The driver may turn without looking for pedestrians.
Myth	Wearing white at night makes you visible to drivers.
Fact	Even if you and your child wear white clothes, drivers will have a difficult time seeing you at night. Carry a flashlight. Wear retroreflective clothing. Walk facing traffic.

Remember, when crossing a street your child should always:

• Stop at the edge of parked cars, the curb, or other vehicles.
• Look LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT for moving cars.
• Cross when clear, and keep looking left and right.
• Walk, not run or dart, into the street.
• Look for signs that a car is about to move (rear lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning).
• Walk alertly.