School’s Out – Safety’s IN!

As the end of the school year approaches, Montgomery County Fire & Rescue is reminding drivers to be especially cautious, pay attention and be on the look-out for pedestrians during the summer months. Kids traveling new routes to summer camps, swim practices or just playing outside may not be thinking about their personal safety. We’re asking drivers to be alert and slow down and look out for child pedestrians.

Tips for Parents
 •Teach your children to cross at intersections that have a marked crosswalk or a pedestrian crossing light.
•Focus on the basics: teach your children to make eye contact with the driver before they cross, even if the walk signal is “on.”
•Remind your children to stop, look and listen before crossing the street and look left, right, left as they cross.
•Teach your children to avoid unnecessary shortcuts like walking through parking lots. Drivers may not see children between parked cars and children may not see cars moving.

Tips for Drivers
•The last week of school is an exciting time for children and they may forget the rules of the road. Use extra caution when driving through school zones.
•Take extra time when making a right turn on a red light. This can be a dangerous situation for pedestrians.
•During those last few days of school, be aware that kids may be arriving or leaving school at different times throughout the day.
•Remember that school speed limits remain in effect year round. Observe carefully when driving around playgrounds and parks. Small children are less predictable and hard to see.
•Always watch for small children as you’re backing up. Walk around your vehicle to make sure there are no kids or pets are behind it.