A Little History
They Send How Many Texts ??
Not Only Kids Are Distracted
2
Head Up , Phone Down
When Headed Back to School
Summertime offers a nice reprieve from the constant shuffling of papers , carpools and heavy backpacks of the school year . But once fall rolls around again , parents and kids have a lot to juggle .
As your children march out the door on the first day of school – and every day – there is really only one priority : Nothing is more important than making sure they get home safely .
A Little History
Back in 1995 , children ages 5 to 9 were more at risk than any other age group under 19 for being struck by a vehicle while walking . The good news is the death rate for kids of all ages in this category declined more than 50 percent in the last 20 years . But there is much more work to be done . According to a study by SafeKids . org , 61 children are hit by cars every day in the United States , more often during the hours before and after school , and peaking in September . And , there has been a noticeable demographic shift . It is now much more likely a teenager will be hit by a car than his younger counterpart .
Of the 484 pedestrians ages 19 and younger who died after being hit by a motor vehicle in 2013 , 47 percent were age 15 to 19 , according to Injury Facts 2015 . We also know that 16 , 000 pedestrians 19 and younger were injured in 2013 . That ’ s 44 per day .
They Send How Many Texts ??
..., kids age 13 to 17 send more than 3,400 texts a month . That ’ s seven messages every hour they are awake !
With this knowledge , the National Safety Council is focused on efforts to eliminate distracted walking – specifically walking while texting . According to a study by The Nielsen Company , kids age 13 to 17 send more than 3,400 texts a month . That ’ s seven messages every hour they are awake !
Before your children head out , remind them of these year-round safety tips :
4 Never walk while texting or talking on the phone 4 If texting , move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk 4 Never cross the street while using an electronic device 4 Do not walk with headphones on 4 Be aware of the surroundings 4 Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available ; if a child must walk on the street , he or she should face oncoming traffic 4 Look left , right , then left again before crossing the street 4 Cross only at crosswalks
Not Only Kids Are Distracted
Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones , too , and there is never an occasion that justifies using a phone while driving . One call or text can change everything . A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control revealed that the most common form of travel to school for student ’ s age 5 to 14 is the family car . That translates into a lot of cars in school zones at the same time . Eliminating all distractions is key to keeping children safe .
At the Orange County Sheriff ’ s Department , we don ’ t believe in accidents . Please join us in doing everything you can to prevent senseless injuries and deaths .