Walking Safely Near Traffic – Keeping Children Safe
![](https://pakidstravelsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/11-flashlight-v4-Pedestrian-1024x536.jpg)
Children younger than 14 years of age are at risk of being involved in traffic related pedestrian crashes because of their size and cognitive ability. Whether it is a walk to school or the park, pedestrian survival skills are a must. Walking is a child’s first form of transportation. A child will walk long before he or she will ride a bicycle or even drive a vehicle.
Be Safe – Be Seen
- Wear bright colored clothing or fluorescent materials to make you more visible to others.
- When walking at night, wear reflective material or place reflective tape on your clothing and carry a flashlight.
- Be Predictable – Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
Pedestrians Must be Responsible in Traffic
![](https://pakidstravelsafe.org/wp-content/uploads/04-distraction-v3-Pedestrian-1024x536.jpg)
- Always use sidewalks when available. If sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic and off to the side of the road, out of the traffic lane.
- Always Look Left, Look Right, and Look Left again before crossing a driveway or road. Continue to look Left, Right, Left while crossing.
- Cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection. Look Left, Right, Left and over your shoulder before stepping into the roadway. Remember to look for vehicles that may be turning onto the street.
- Watch for vehicles exiting or entering a driveway. In parking lots, look for vehicles that are backing up.
- Avoid mid-block crossings. Drivers do not expect pedestrians to cross mid-block or between cars.
- Walk quickly, but do not run, while crossing the street.
- All traffic signs and signals must be obeyed.
- Make eye contact with vehicle drivers to make sure they see you. Do not assume the driver sees you because you see them.
- Stay alert when near moving vehicles. Do not get distracted by playing games or using electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road.