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Traffic
& Pedestrian Safety News Articles
 SAFELY
The Apple
Valley Police Department asks
that parents discuss with their children the importance of good safety
habits in the following areas:
- Pedestrian Safety:
teach children to cross streets safely by always looking to the left,
then right, then left again before crossing. When walking to school,
younger children must wait for the School Patrol to help them cross
busy streets safely. When walking in the street cannot be avoided, always
walk on the LEFT side of the street, INTO traffic.
- It’s the law…vehicles must STOP FOR
FEET at crosswalks.
- Pedestrians must allow the vehicle time
to stop without incident before entering the crosswalk.
- Bicycle Safety:
bicycle riders need to remember that they are considered part of the
traffic flow and should ride on the RIGHT side of the street. Use proper
hand signals and remember that bicycle helmets should be worn at all
times. While helmets can’t prevent crashes and falls, they do reduce
the risk of head injury and long term brain damage by up to 88%. If
all bicyclists wore helmets, one death could be prevented every day
and one head injury could be prevented every four minutes!
- Bus Safety:
parents must talk to children who ride the bus to school about the importance
of remaining seated, obeying the bus driver, and never stick hands,
arms, or any part of their body outside of the bus windows. Bus riders
must learn how to enter and exit the bus safely, never crossing in front
of a moving bus.
- The 10 feet of space around the bus
is known as the "Safety Zone." The driver cannot see
what is in this area – roughly five giant steps to a child. Children
must learn to stay clear of that area except when crossing it to board
or exit the bus. Always make sure the driver sees you in plain sight.
- Vehicle Safety:
impress upon your family that all vehicle occupants must wear safety
belts at all times, even if the vehicle has air bags (that means you
too, Mom and Dad)! Proper use of safety restraints reduces the risk
of death and serious injury by 40-60%.
- Don’t forget to buckle up!
- Self-Protection
Skills:
- Make sure your children can use the
telephone properly in case of an emergency.
- Your child should know his/her complete
name, address and phone number (including area code).
- If a child finds or is offered drugs,
a gun, or any other weapon, they should never touch or handle them
- and they should let an adult know right away.
- Teach your child to tell a trusted adult
immediately if anyone, no matter whom, touches them in a way that
makes them feel uncomfortable.
- Discuss with your child the importance
of refusing rides or gifts from anyone without your consent.
Questions about these or
other safety tips can be answered by calling the Crime Prevention Specialist
at the Apple Valley Police Department
at 953-2706. Have a great school year!
Content updated on:
03-May-2004
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