Teen Hit By Car Shares Safety Message

A 12-year-old Texas girl was on her way to school when she was hit by a car. The teen said she looked both ways as her mother always taught her to do, but was hit by a speeding driver. Although banged up, bruised and bandaged, she is alive and expected to make a full recovery. Now the teen shares a simple message – Be Careful!"

Police said the teen tried to cross the road from behind a city bus when she was hit. The driver was not cited after police determined he was not speeding. But, what happened serves as a safety reminder.

Any time pedestrians are on the road, they can be at risk of an accident with a motor vehicle – even when walking in marked crosswalks. Children and young teens don't have the same ability to judge distances, speed, and noise direction of traffic and vehicles as older teens and adults. Therefore, it is important to ensure that children have a good understanding of basic street safety when walking around city streets, especially when alone. To lessen the chances of our children becoming an injury or death statistic, it is important not only to educate, but continuously reinforce road safety.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

• Cross the street only traffic lights, pedestrian crossings or marked crosswalks; continuously watch for traffic as you cross.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street – even if it is not a busy intersection. Check right, left and right again before walking out.
• Do not cross in the middle of a street or between cars or buses; if you are getting off a bus, wait until the bus has moved away before checking for traffic.
• Never step out from behind any vehicle, such as a bus, where you can’t see the oncoming traffic.
• Always make sure a motorist is not turning even if there is a “No turn on red” sign.
• Avoid walking on roads without sidewalks and crosswalks, but if you must, walk facing traffic.
• Follow crosswalk signs/signals; do not cross when the sign reads “Do Not Walk” even if there is not oncoming traffic.
• Do not assume that cars are driving slowly enough for you to cross or for them to stop.
• Do not run or dash into the street.
• Stop and look whenever passing a driveway.

Drivers can help too.

• Pay attention to crosswalks; make sure pedestrians are not crossing the road before passing through the crosswalk.
• Pay attention to traffic controls.
• Yield to pedestrians already crossing the road even if not at the crosswalk.
• Be attentive especially around schools and neighborhoods where children present.
• Do not assume the pedestrian sees (or hears) you.

Most importantly to pedestrians and drivers, alike – obey traffic laws and use common sense. Remember, too, that safety doesn’t stop with the last school bell for the year. Discuss pedestrian safety with your children especially during the summer months when kids are outside with more free time.

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