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Kids Dart. Drive Smart.: Motorist Tips

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Even the most mature and cautious child is still a child who will occasionally become distracted and walk out into traffic. As motorists, we can play a significant role in saving the life of a child.

• Decrease your speed, especially in posted school zones and in areas such as residential areas, parks, recreation facilities and libraries where there are likely to be children. No appointment or destination is worth the life of a child. The faster the speed of the vehicle, the more severe and potentially fatal will be the injuries to the child. A national survey conducted by SAFE KIDS in 2000 found that two-thirds of all vehicles were traveling over the speed limit in school zones!
• Remain alert and focus on driving. Children, particularly young children, are very quick and will dash out in front of cars, assuming that you will see them and stop for them. Older children may become distracted as they think about the events of the day or socialize with their friends.
• Be wary of residential streets with cars parked on the side. Watch for children who are on the sidewalks, between parked cars, or on the front lawn. The majority of children younger than 5 years of age are injured when they "pop out" from between parked cars in the middle of a block.
• Obey stop signs and traffic signals. Remember to stop before the crosswalk, not in the crosswalk. SAFE KIDS conducted a national observational survey in 2003 and found that 45 percent of vehicles did not come to a complete stop at stop signs. When they did stop, many stopped in or past the crosswalks.
• Watch for pedestrians when turning right at a red light. When we turn, we are often looking left to make sure another vehicle is not rapidly approaching. We also, however, need to be mindful that we scan the environment for children. Children are often so focused on looking left and right that they neglect to look behind them. Children also may assume that, because their light says to "walk," that all motorists will see them and stop.
• When backing out, check for children and their toys. Walk around the back of your car to look for children and their toys. The larger your car, the bigger the blind spot behind your vehicle.

The majority of children are injured from the time that school is dismissed until dusk. Be especially alert during this time. Also, be especially alert in the morning hours when children will be walking to school or the bus stop. As we move into the fall and winter months, many children will be leaving for school while it is still dark outside!