Safe Kids Worldwide released a report Walking Safely: A Report to the Nation that examines 15-year trends in child pedestrian injuries and deaths in the U.S. The report reveals that while walking safety has improved overall for children since 1995, there are still a staggering number of children hit by cars.
More than 61 children are injured every day severely enough to seek medical attention. More than 500 children are killed every year. Interestingly, the most at-risk age group has shifted since 1995 when 5-9 year olds sustained the most injuries, to today when teens are at greatest risk. The death rate among older teens is now twice that of younger children. These findings indicate that while the increased focus on younger kids has made a difference, stakeholders must cast a new focus on education and behavior change about pedestrian safety for kids 14 to 19, while continuing education and programs that have been effective for younger kids. Other recommendations include:
- Research must be conducted to determine the causes of the negative trends and uncover effective means to reverse them.
- Government at all levels must invest in infrastructure to make walking safer for kids of all ages, especially in and around school zones.
- All people must commit to walking and driving without distraction. Distraction due to mobile technologies is an epidemic resulting in both deaths and injuries and must end.
