School's In Session; Slow Down, Watch For Walkers, Bike Riders Plan To Participate In International Walk To School Day Oct. 4

Last updated on Tuesday, August 22, 2017

(UNDATED) - Schools across the state are back in session, so the Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership and Health by Design encourage drivers to slow down, be extra cautious in school zones and take steps to protect children, youth and adults who are walking and biking.

Following are some tips from the National Center for Safe Routes to School and Health by Design.

Drivers

Don't text or talk on a phone when driving.
Stop for walkers at crosswalks.
Slow down and obey the speed limit.
Before turning, look twice for people walking and biking.
Yield to walkers and bike riders.
Be careful passing stopped vehicles, as there may be people walking and biking.
Stay focused and alert.

Walkers and bike riders

Learn and obey traffic laws.
Choose routes that have the least amount of traffic and lowest speeds.
Walk and bike on paths separated from traffic and limit the number of street crossings, where possible.
Cross the street at a corner or at a crosswalk. Stop at the curb and look for traffic in all directions; left, right, and then left again before crossing a street.
Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection and pay attention to drivers in parked cars, as they may be getting ready to move.
Carry a cell phone in case of emergency.
Always wear bright-colored clothes and if it's dark or hard to see, carry a flashlight or wear reflective gear.
Children should walk or bike with an adult until they are at least 10 years old, and then with a friend, when possible.
Young children should hold a grown-up's hand when they cross the street or are in parking lots.

Schools and parents throughout the state are encouraged to help students walk or bike to school every day, but especially on Oct. 4, which is International Walk to School Day. Tips on how to organize a Walk to School Day event at a school or in a neighborhood are available at www.walkbiketoschool.org

The Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership works to increase the number of children safely walking and biking to school throughout the state by sharing information, resources, technical assistance, and ideas. It is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Health by Design and comprised of government, community, health and education organizations. For more information, visit www.healthbydesignonline.org.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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