Children are at increased risk for pedestrian injuries Published Nov. 5, 2007 By Master Sgt. Tracy Francis 354th Fighter Wing Safety Office EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- In the United States, 4,881 pedestrians died from traffic-related injuries in 2005, and another 64,000 sustained nonfatal injuries. Nearly one-fifth of the traffic deaths among children ages 5-9 years were sustained by pedestrians. Children are at increased risk for pedestrian injuries for several reasons: · Their smaller size makes them difficult for drivers to see, especially if they are standing between parked cars on the side of the road. · Young children are often unable to judge distances and vehicle speeds accurately, so they can easily misjudge whether it is safe to cross a street. · Parents can overestimate their child's ability to cross the street. Many elementary school-age children don't understand traffic signals or how to anticipate a driver's actions. · Drivers and child pedestrians each assume (incorrectly) that the other will yield the right-of-way. Here at Eielson AFB, with the close proximity of the schools to the housing communities, it is customary to see, whether it is early in the morning or in the afternoon, school age children walking or riding their bicycles to and from school. Although riding bicycles is no longer safe once snow and ice are present, during the winter months the long hours of darkness and reduced visibility still pose a threat to the safety of children walking to and from school. To prevent and/or reduce child pedestrian injuries on Eielson, the base safety office recommends the following safety tips. This list is not all inclusive. Parents are ultimately responsible for ensuring their children are properly trained on pedestrian safety and the wear of appropriate attire. Safety Tips for Reducing Child Pedestrian Injuries: Walking to School · Small children should not cross roads alone. They are less likely to be able to judge how far away a car is or how fast it is going. · Children walking on sidewalks during hours of darkness should wear reflective armbands/belts/vests and bright clothing. Don't forget gloves, and shoes or boots with nonslip soles. · If there is no footpath, walk on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic keeping as close as possible to the side of the road. · Most importantly, show your child how to cross the road by example. Choose safe places to cross and take time to explain why i.e. footbridges, pedestrian crossings, crossing guard Traveling by Bus · Teach children to take special care getting on or off a bus · While waiting for a bus, children should stand well off the road · Before crossing the road they should wait until the bus has left and they can see clearly in both directions Bicycle Safety · Make sure they are highly visible by wearing a reflective belt and bright clothes and wear a bicycle safety helmet on all journeys · Check that the bicycle's brakes, lights, reflector and bell are in good working order · Do not ride bicycles when snow/ice is on road/sidewalks For additional information, contact the Safety office at 377-4260/1842/1351.