Back to School Safety

With kids getting ready to go back to school, the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue is reminding drivers to pay careful attention for pedestrians, especially children.

Pedestrian injury is the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 5 to 14 in the U.S., the Department of Fire and Rescue said in a press release.

According to Safe Kids USA, approximately 630 child pedestrian fatalities occur on streets, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks each year.

In recognition of August as Back to School Safety Month, the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue offers the following safety reminders:

DRIVERS

• Slow down and be alert especially in the residential neighborhoods and school zones.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours.
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving!

KIDS

• ALWAYS cross the street with an adult, at least up until age 10, when your traffic skills and judgment are better.
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks whenever possible.
• NEVER run out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
• Wear reflective material or clothing and carry a flashlight to increase your visibility at night.
• ALWAYS walk in front of the bus, at least 10 feet, where the driver can see you.
• If waiting for a parent, wait on the same side of the street as the school bus loads and unloads.
• DO NOT play in driveways, streets, parking lots and unfenced yards next to the street.

ADDITIONAL PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS

• Make eye contact with drivers prior to crossing in front of them. Don’t assume that because you can see the driver, the driver can see you.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing a street and continue looking while crossing.
• It's safest to walk on a sidewalk, but if you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic.