Being a crossing guard means helping your community and keeping kids safe, but sometimes it includes close calls and danger. The last thing anyone wants is for a crossing guard or a child to be in harm’s way. That’s why we are talking to Whitney, a crossing guard from Vineyard, Utah, who can give us a little more insight and share tips to make school zones safer.
Being a kid right now is not the same as it was 10 years ago or more. Kids are inundated with so many distractions and it’s hard for them to know what to focus on. If we’re being honest, the same goes for adults most of the time too. Being able to focus as a driver or a pedestrian is crucial to safety. Because we’ve seen an uptick in pedestrian crashes, we think it’s a good time to talk about three ways to focus while walking or biking.
How often do you talk to your kids about pedestrian safety? It’s one of those topics that needs addressing but doesn’t always have a natural introduction. But when it comes to your child’s safety, it’s worth having the conversation and having it often.
Do we, as parents, recognize the potential risks, or even the unsafe example and expectations we may unintentionally set for our children?
Construction zones are common throughout Utah and can be extremely dangerous for young people. The Safe Routes Utah outreach team educates elementary aged kids about the dangers in these areas through an interactive assembly called, “Think Safety.” It teaches concepts about safety through play and is designed to mitigate their curiosity around construction zones. Students leave knowing to steer clear of these areas and to remain alert and attentive when passing by.
With a natural inclination to do good, most kids never hesitate to put their helmet on before riding, others will patiently wait at crosswalks until the crossing guard waves them forward, and still others hold the hands of their younger siblings or encourage their friends to put their phones or video games away before crossing the street.
You’ve likely heard of our Walk & Roll Challenge. Word gets around when kids can win a free helmet and scooter, but did you know there is so much more to Safe Routes Utah?
Safe Routes Utah is a state program that encourages kids to walk and bike to and from school safely, the keyword being “safely.” We find multiple ways to teach and encourage safety among students using active transportation. One way we do that is by teaching it.
Pull out your best green gear and help us bring awareness to school zone safety this month for Green Ribbon Month. Green Ribbon Month was created in Utah to shine a light on school zone safety. Now that school is officially back in session, there are more pedestrians, particularly kids, walking and biking to and from school. It’s a reminder to drivers to watch for kids on their way to school and also a reminder to pedestrians to walk and bike responsibly.
What is Safe Routes Utah? Safe Routes Utah is driven by our mission to help children get to and from school safely while motivating children
How do you teach your child to walk safely to school? Safe Routes Utah encourages life-long habits of active transportation and pedestrian safety. We share