Safe Kids Walk This Way - Pedestrian Safety

Each year, approximately 630 child pedestrian fatalities occur and children sustain more than 39,000 nonfatal pedestrian injuries.

The Bike/Pedestrian Committee of Safe Kids Springfield has participated in International Walk To School Day for the past 6 years. In addition, as part of the Walk This Way pedestrian program, Safe Kids Springfield promotes Schools Safety Committees, Halloween Safety, and applies for Walk This Way Task Force grants for environmental improvements around school zones. In the past several years, Safe Kids Springfield has provided funding for countdown crosswalk signals, push buttons and new signage for signals, LED lamps, and reflective crosswalk sleeves.

Inherent risks such as a child's size and cognitive ability, and environmental risks such as speeding motorists, are numerous – that's why prevention measures are so important. You can reduce your children's risk of harm by modeling and teaching safe pedestrian behavior. You can also join groups like Safe Kids in advocating for safer pedestrian environments across your community.

The most important thing you can do to teach your kids safe pedestrian behavior is to practice it yourself: crossing streets at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible, and making eye contact with drivers prior to crossing in front of them.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

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Pedestrian Safety flyer