News stories report how there has been an increase in pedestrian accidents. British Columbia's Coroners Service in May 2008, released an alarming public safety bulletin. It's reported that a recent review of child pedestrian research by Safe Kids Canada has found that child pedestrian incidents are a leading cause of injury-related death for Canadian children under 14 years of age.
Why are So Many Children Hit by Cars Each Year?
University of Waterloo Professor Carolyn MacGregor led an award winning study, “Identifying Gaps in Child Pedestrian Safety.” Some of the findings include:
- Adults tend to slow down and scan traffic as they approach an intersection. Most children do not pay attention to traffic until they reach the curb, where they most often stop and only pay attention to traffic signals, not the traffic.
- Although parents teach the “look both ways” rule, almost half of the children studied do not look for oncoming traffic. In the 5-10 year old group, half did not look at all at signaled crossings.
- Children crossing alone are less likely to stop at the curb and will walk onto the road “trusting” drivers to stop.
Safe Kids Canada
Safe Kids Canada advocates for changes to policies and legislation to keep children and youth safe in Canada. This is a national injury program of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children. Their mission is to promote effective strategies to prevent unintentional injuries.
Dr. David Wesson, a surgeon at this world-renowned hospital, founded Safe Kids Canada in 1992. He realized that too many of his medical cases were caused by predictable and preventable incidents. He strongly felt there was a need to help parents keep their children safe and to change environments where children and youth live, learn and play.
Today Safe Kids Canada has a comprehensive website and provides a wealth of information for parents on many safety-related topics.
As a part of the “Walk This Way in Canada” pedestrian safety program, Safe Kids Canada partnered with FedEx Express Canada in an annual search for Canada's favourite school crossing guard. As the world's largest transportation company, FedEx Express places high value on safety and believes in being pro-active in heightening public awareness on preventing pedestrian accidents.
Canada's Favourite Crossing Guards
This year's three outstanding winners in the “Canada's Favourite Crossing Guards Contest” are:
- Francesco Riverso: Blue Willow Public School in Woodbridge, Ontario. Mr. Riverso goes above and beyond the call of duty ensuring the safety of everyone in the Blue Willow school community. His commitment to the safety of children were honoured at a well-organized, “Thanks Frank” assembly at Blue Willow Public School on December 17, 2008.
- Joyce Brown: Earl Prentice Public School in Marmara, Ontario. She is an integral part of the community as well as being an advocate for the children.
- Murielle Bernier: Ecole Mgr Martin in Saint-Quentin, New Brunswick. Ms. Bernier is responsible for ensuring students cross a hectic intersection on Hwy. 180.
Parents Need to Educate their Children
Road safety starts at home. Teaching children to be a “defensive” pedestrian will drastically eliminate the chances of a possible injury. Children under 9 years of age should always be accompanied by an adult or an older, responsible child.
Teach children the rules of the road at an early age. Educating children while you're on a walk in the community or while driving will have more of an impact that just talking about it at home. Looking all ways before crossing any street is a good rule, however showing children that having eye contact with the driver to know that the driver is remaining stopped is essential.
Let children know that green lights at an intersection do not mean “proceed immediately.” The reality is that the roads are full of people who refuse to stop at red lights. Teach children that when a light changes to green, look both ways before stepping off the curb.
Be a mentor. Chances are children will follow your example. For more safety rules, visit Safe Kids Canada.
 |
 |
