Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for Canadian children. Each year in Canada, more than 4,000 children are hit by motor vehicles. These deaths and injuries are predictable and preventable.
Children aged 5 to 9 are at the greatest risk of injury because their judgement skills are still developing and they are beginning to try activities on their own. Boys are also more likely to be injured because they take more risks.
What can be done to prevent child pedestrian injury?
Children should learn the “rules of the road” as soon as they begin walking. By the time they can be independent, road safety rules will be second nature for them.
Here are some “rules of the road” adults can reinforce with children:
- Take extra care around driveways and alleys. When drivers are backing up, they might not see a pedestrian.
- Only cross a street at an intersection or a crosswalk and never cross diagonally or between parked cars.
- Be more alert when crossing corners without traffic lights. At areas with traffic lights, obey the signals.
- Make eye contact with drivers. Drivers may not always see children because they are smaller.
Tips for adults:
- Children under age 9 should be with an adult or older child when walking. Younger children cannot safely judge vehicle speed or distance, placing them at greater risk for injury.
- Adults need to be good role models. If adults expect children to obey the rules of the road, they must also follow the same rules.
- The greater the speed of a car, they greater the chance of injury. Drivers must obey speed limits and be especially cautious around areas where children are found like schools, playgrounds and parks.
Is your school community concerned about school zone safety? The Active & Safe Routes to School Program can help. For more information, visit the website at www.saferoutestoschool.ca or call Sue Connell, Public Health Nurse at 905-546-2424 ext. 5255 or Sharon Mackinnon, Public Health Nurse at 905-546-2424 ext. 3522.
This May, the theme of Safe Kids Week in Canada is Child Pedestrian Safety. For more information and safety tips, go to their website at: www.safekidscanada.ca or call: 1-888-SAFE-TIPS (723-3847).