E-Update from Supervisor Mike May

Pedestrians, individuals who travel by foot, bicycle, wheelchair, stroller or similar means, are at constant risk of being injured or killed from traffic crashes. According to the Center for Disease Control, in the next 24 hours, on average, 324 people will be treated in an emergency department for pedestrian-related injuries. In the next 2 hours, on average, one pedestrian will die from injuries in a traffic crash.

The Center for Disease Control states children are at high risk for pedestrian-related injuries and deaths due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speed and lack of experience. According to Safe Kids USA, each year, approximately 630 child pedestrian fatalities occur on streets, driveways, parking lots and sidewalks -- 83% occur at non-intersection locations. Although policies, laws and regulations have proven to be effective in improving safety for pedestrians, pedestrian injury remains the second leading cause of injury-related death, for U.S. children, ages 5 to 14.

A reminder to motorists now that the school year has officially begun is to be vigilant when driving. Many school routes are improperly designed and pose a serious hazard for children due to the lack of sidewalks or crosswalks, wide roads and speeding drivers. According to a national survey of school bus loading and unloading operations for the 2009-2010 school year, there were 13 student fatalities. Therefore, when driving, whether taking your kids to school or driving near a school or bus stop, be on the lookout for children loading and unloading the bus or walking and riding to and from school.

To keep you and your loved ones safe, Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue (www.pwcgov.org/fire) urge pedestrians and drivers to follow these simple safety tips:

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.