AVRMC: Keep safe crossing streets

Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center is a Level IV Trauma Center for the Arkansas Valley. The AVRMC Trauma Center not only focuses on taking care of the Trauma patient but also on injury prevention.

AVRMC is committed to taking care of our community. The Trauma Team at AVRMC is well trained Nursing and Medical Staff.

This month’s topic is “School Street Crossing."

School street crossing: What should I know?

It’s especially important to watch out for children’s safety when they’re walking. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 400,000 pedestrians in the  United States died from traffic-related injuries in 2006, and another 614,000 were non–fatally injured. Nearly one out of every five children ages 5 to 9 years who died in traffic was a pedestrian. Child pedestrians are at higher risk for injuries than adults for several reasons:

Size
Kids’ smaller size makes them difficult for drivers to see, especially if they’re standing between parked cars on the side of the road.

Inability to Judge Distances and Speeds
Because of their age and developmental stage, it's harder for them to judge distances and vehicle speeds. This can lead them to misjudge when it's safe to cross the street.  
 
Lack of experience with traffic rules
Kids’ young age and developmental stage can make it hard for them to apply traffic rules in real–life settings. Also, drivers and child pedestrians may each assume, incorrectly, that the other will yield the right–of-way.

What can I do?

There are steps you can take to help keep your child safe. The following resources offer tips for parents on how to help encourage safe walking, which is the first step in preventing child pedestrian injuries.

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 retro reflective 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.