Watch out for kids at play!
Longer days and warmer weather mean more people are outside – especially children. Whether they’re biking, playing, or heading to a nearby park, young pedestrians are more active and less predictable during the summer months.
Extra attention is essential this summer
You Bright summer sunlight, glare, and driver distraction can make it harder to spot someone stepping into the road. At busy times of day, crosswalks can quickly become dangerous if drivers aren’t paying full attention. Pedestrians may also cross at locations without marked crosswalks, making it even more important for drivers to stay alert and scan the road carefully.
As a driver, your focus on the road can be the difference between a close call and a serious collision.
For drivers
- Stay alert for children near parks, playgrounds, residential streets, and driveways.
- Slow down around crosswalks, school zones, and neighborhoods. Kids can be unpredictable and may enter the road suddenly. Because children are smaller and harder to see than adults, especially between parked cars or near driveways, drivers should stay extra alert in areas where kids may be present.
- Be especially cautious in bright sunlight or glare, which can reduce visibility.
- Wait until a pedestrian has fully crossed the road before proceeding.
- Pedestrians may not always use designated crossings, so be sure to scan sidewalks and road edges.
For pedestrians (and parents)
- Help children understand how to cross safely and supervise younger kids near roads.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing, even during the day, to stay visible.
- Use crosswalks whenever possible and always look both ways before crossing.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
- Bright summer sunlight, glare, and driver distraction can make it harder to spot someone stepping into the road. At busy times of day, crosswalks can quickly become dangerous if drivers aren’t paying full attention. Pedestrians may also cross at locations without marked crosswalks, making it even more important for drivers to stay alert and scan the road carefully.
- As a driver, your focus on the road can be the difference between a close call and a serious collision.
- At crosswalks, wait until vehicles have fully stopped before crossing.
- If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.
Be ready for the brake this summer
Because kids don’t always stop, but you can.