Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for school-age children. With school opening, it is time to talk to your children about safe pedestrian and cycling habits. Teach your children to cross at corners or crosswalks only and not to dash out between parked cars. Caution them to wait until approaching vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing. Though not always possible, they are safer to cross at signaled crossings.
Children are also generally safe if they walk to and from school with others.
If possible have older children walk with younger ones. Discourage your children from walking alone, or taking shortcuts through strange neighborhoods. If your children ride buses, teach them not to roughhouse while boarding or leaving the bus. If possible, meet younger children at the bus stop and walk home with them. Make sure that your children understand the rules of the road for bicycles.