For many homebuyers, walkability is heralded as one of the most sought-after neighborhood features. Walkable neighborhoods, or those with “safe, designated areas for people to walk or bike to work, dining, shopping and entertainment venues,” are known to improve quality of life (Washington Post, 2017). In fact, walkability is said to positively impact health, the environment and even personal finances.
As it turns out, walkability is ideal for children, too! When it comes to neighborhoods, the crown jewels are typically homes near high-quality schools that are centrally located just a few blocks from any given location in the neighborhood. If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where kids can simply walk to school, you may have a little teaching to do before the schoolteachers step in. With nation-wide lockdowns common last year, your child may need a little refresher that goes beyond looking both ways. This year, impart a few safety tips to ensure that walking back to school goes smoothly.
Prioritize visibility
Before students even leave the house, you’ll want to consider visibility. Dark clothing is one of the largest contributors to pedestrian-related collisions, so whether they have a brightly colored jacket specifically for walking to school or a reflective backpack, ensuring your child is easy to spot can help prevent disaster.
Travel in pairs
If possible, find a babysitter or another student to accompany your child to and from school if they’re old enough. Groups of children are much more visible to drivers and can also discourage encounters with strangers.
Heed traffic signals
Reiterate the importance of staying on sidewalks and paths, and go over traffic signals, including the pedestrian traffic light and basic road markings. You’ll also want to ensure children understand crosswalks and the direction of oncoming traffic. Specific knowledge will depend on age and maturity, but a basic understanding of roadways can go a long way.
Make eye contact
Eye contact indicates awareness. Encourage your child to make eye contact with any oncoming drivers to ensure it’s safe to cross. Explain that, in instances of uncertainty, it may be best to wait and let that particular car pass before continuing.
Limit distractions
Emphasize that the child must be fully present and attentive when walking. Smartphones, headphones, and gaming devices can create distractions, and in the worst-case scenarios, accidents. Even teenagers can trip, miss traffic signals or veer off path if preoccupied.
When in doubt, wait for an adult
Depending on the age of the child, you may want to suggest they find an adult in any uncertain circumstances. Younger kids can’t always accurately judge the speed and distance of traffic. Many schools have traffic guards to help direct students and cars near campus but there may be other parents or older students on the same route who can assist your child if needed.
Walking to school can be the scariest part of the school day, and after more than a year of intermittent online learning, looking both ways doesn’t always cut it. Providing your child with a refresher course on safety tips can arm them with knowledge and set them up for success. Plus, with a comfortable route to school, they can enjoy that walkable neighborhood just as much as you do.
Published on August 9, 2021
