As families are preparing for another school year, ThedaCare and the Appleton Police Department are teaming up for a back-to-school series. The series will feature topics that can help students and families gear up for a safe, healthy and successful school year.
In this article, the organizations will provide recommendations to help families with walking and biking travel tips.
Accidents on the Rise
Pedestrian deaths and injuries throughout the U.S. continue to increase. In 2022, more than 7,500 pedestrians were killed, and more than 67,000 were injured nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Similarly, bicycle deaths increased from 623 in 2010 to 966 in 2021, according to the League of American Bicyclists.
“Vehicle pedestrian crashes are devastating when they occur and are nearly 100% preventable,” said Traffic Safety Officer Ryan McCord with the Appleton Police Department. “It takes the ownership of all drivers and pedestrians to solve this problem. Remaining undistracted while on the roadways and slowing down are essential steps needed by everyone to reduce these types of incidents from occurring.”
Around schools, safety issues can intensify. Congestion is inevitable with so many people and vehicles converging on a single location.
“Mornings and after-school hours are hurried times for parents and commuters alike,” said Dr. Nathan Larsen, an Emergency Medicine Physician at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca and New London. “It’s important to take deep breath, slow down, and keep safety top of mind.”
Walking
Walking to school is a great way to get more exercise into your day. But it’s also essential for children and parents to know and follow the rules of the road.
Younger children – ages 5 and 6 – should always walk with an adult to school. Children between the ages of 7 and 9 can usually walk safely as part of a group of friends or siblings. By age 10, kids should be able to walk on their own, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to remember that each child is different, and some kids may not be ready until they are a little older.
Families and students should follow these additional tips:
- Review the correct way to cross the street with children: Stop at the curb and look left, right, left, behind, and in front of you for traffic. If there is no traffic, walk – don’t run –
across the street. While crossing the street, stay alert to any oncoming traffic.
- Obey traffic rules: Stop at all intersections and driveways to look for traffic. Follow traffic signal directions, and listen to crossing guards about when it’s safe to cross.
- Stay alert: Remain on the lookout for vehicles. Avoid listening to music so you’ll hear if traffic is approaching.
- Stay on sidewalks if possible. If it’s necessary to walk in the road, stay on the left side. It’s safest to walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Take the same route to school – avoid shortcuts.
- Students should not push, shove, or chase each other when they are near the street.
- Remind children to never take rides from others unless you’ve arranged them ahead of time.
- Parents of middle school and high school students should talk to their kids about safety as well. Tweens and teens are likelier to engage in risky behavior.
“With the start of a new school year on the horizon, drivers need to remember that the school year is a time for increased pedestrian traffic on and along our roadways,” said Officer McCord. “It is imperative that drivers slow down and ensure that they are not only looking for vehicular traffic but also pedestrian traffic. Abiding by school zone speed limits is one of many simple steps that can be taken to ensure drivers and pedestrians are using the roadways together safely.”
Biking
Riding a bike is another popular way that children can get to school.
Students should be reminded of these precautions:
- Always wear a helmet. Parents and guardians should help model this habit.
- Pick the right route. Work with your child to determine the safest route to school, including using bike lanes or bike trails to get there. Choose routes with the least amount of traffic. Once you a establish a route, tell your child to always follow it.
- Follow the rules of the road. Stop at stop signs and follow the direction of traffic signals.
- Ride single file in the same direction as traffic.
- Pay attention. Be alert for vehicles backing out of driveways or pulling away from the curb.
- Learn proper hand signals. If turning left, stick out your arm to the left. To turn right, hold your left arm up at a right angle (it should look like an “L”). To stop, hold your left arm down at a right angle (it should look like an upside-down “L”).
- Keep both hands on the handlebars (unless signaling).
“Walking and biking are wonderful ways to travel to school,” said Dr. Larsen. “They provide physical activity, a chance for kids to practice independence, and way to reduce the environmental impact of driving. With the right safety measures in place, we can help children and families stay safe on their journey.”
