LASD Palmdale Station Child Safety Month: Pedestrian Safety

Palmdale, California - October 7, 2013

Pedestrian injuries are the fifth leading cause of injury-related death in the United States for children ages 5 to 19. Whether your child is walking to school, to a friend’s house, or to the park, here are a few simple tips to make sure your child arrives at their destination safely.

Talking and educating your children on how to be safe while walking is crucial. Sidewalks or designated pedestrian paths are always the best option when walking. Using crosswalks, traffic signals and teaching children only cross at street corners can minimize the risk of potential injury.

Be a good example. Not using your cell phone or any other electronic device when driving or walking near traffic will teach your child not to do the same. Teach your child at an early age to put down their electronic devices and look left, right and left again when crossing the street.

Remind your child to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. By doing this the child and driver have acknowledged each other. Remind your child while crossing the street to remain aware of his/her surroundings.

Young children should not cross the street without adult supervision. It can be difficult for children 10 and under to judge distance and speed of vehicles.

Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on Pedestrian safety to reduce the risk of injury. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Palmdale Sheriff Station at 661-272-2400 or email Deputy Jodi Wolfe at jewolfe@lasd.org.

- Deputy Jodi Wolfe