Today's News by Jack Nerad for Driving Today

Hazardous Road Conditions: Kids Are Returning to School

Friday, August 13, 2010

It might feel like summer has just started, but the sad fact is that it’s almost over, and children will soon be returning to school. This has strong implications to you as a driver -- namely: watch out! Drivers need to stay more alert for the millions of young pedestrians and bicyclists who are heading back to classrooms this month and in September.

“All motorists, and that includes teen drivers, should always be aware of children and others on foot and on bicycles. Drivers also need to be extra-alert near and around schools,” says child safety expert Pat Frazier. “Young pedestrians and cyclists are not skilled at making correct judgments about traffic speed and distance. Young drivers have less skill and experience too, so they and other drivers should take the time now to note school locations and start looking out for children walking or riding a bike to school.”

Children walking or on bikes are especially at risk. One-fifth of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These pedestrian fatalities are more likely to happen in the afternoon hours, when school is letting out. In 2005, California children under 15 years of age accounted for 22 percent of pedestrian fatalities and 22.8 percent of bicycle fatalities and injuries.

Drivers also should be on the lookout for high school cross-country running teams training on city streets this month. (They often run early in the morning or in the evening.)

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