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School’s out — let’s keep kids safe this summer

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As the school year comes to an end, and the days are longer, we should all be reminded to take extra traffic safety precautions during the summer break. During the summer, children are at increased risk of injuries related to pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle crashes.

Tips for drivers

Take is slow — remember that you are sharing the road with more pedestrians and bicyclists. People are playing more outdoor sports or casually walking to the beach.

Obey all traffic laws, speed limits and traffic signals. The last week of school is an exciting time for children and they may become preoccupied and forget the rules of the road. Still, use extra caution when driving through school zones. During those last few days of school, be aware that kids may be arriving or leaving school at different times throughout the day. Kids will be excited and may not be thinking about their personal safety so drivers need to be extra cautious in looking for child pedestrians during the summer months. Remember that playgrounds and parks are more active so pay extra attention when driving near them.

Keep an eye out for children walking or bicycling in the street. Be alert for children playing and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic. When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking, biking or skateboarding. Small children are less predictable and harder to see than adults. Watch for clues, a hockey net or ball in the road or on the sidewalk can mean kids are playing nearby. Pay attention and always anticipate the unexpected. Pedestrians of all ages may pay less attention to their surroundings and are often preoccupied by their phones, digital devices or wearing headphones 



Tips for parents


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