The use of digital devices while walking or driving, leads to incidents involving injuries and deaths. According to studies, 61 children are hit by cars every day in the United States, frequently during before and after school hours in September.

Please remind your children of these safety tips regarding distracted walking:

- Be aware of the surroundings 
- Do not walk with headphones on
- If texting, move out of the way of others and make a complete stop on the sidewalk
- Cross only at sidewalks
- Never cross the street while using an electronic device 
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street
- Always walk on the sidewalk, if no sidewalk is available, kids should walk facing oncoming traffic

And remember, not only kids get distracted:

- Drivers must pay attention to school zones 
- Cell phones are a major distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time
- Hands-free is not risk-free, your brain remains distracted by the conversation
- There is never an occasion that justifies using a phone while driving

Remember to never walk while texting on the phone and take the pledge to drive cell-free. By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can co-exist safely on roads and in school zones!