School’s Out for Summer – More Kids Will Be Out and About, Let’s Keep Them Safe

School’s Out for Summer, but this also marks an important time for our kids to make fun childhood memories while walking or biking to the pool, park, or to a friend’s house. Let’s help keep them safe and healthy while enjoying these exciting outdoor activities by slowing down and paying attention as drivers share the road.

“With school out, more children will be outside. Please watch your speed, especially near playgrounds, softball & baseball fields, parks, and residential areas,” said Janelle Visser, Injury Prevention Coordinator with Panhandle Public Health District. “A child could dash into the street at any moment, pay attention and always anticipate the unexpected.”

Parents, please go over important bicycling safety tips with your kids like wearing a properly fitted helmet and making eye contact with drivers. When bicycling at night or early mornings, always wear reflective clothing and lights to increase visibility to drivers.

Encourage children to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street and cross at marked intersections with a pedestrian crossing light or marked crossing, especially on busier streets and corridors. An excellent way to show children safe ways of walking, biking, or rolling around town is to go with them!

Active Living Advisory Committees around the Panhandle are working hard to keep their sidewalks, streets, and pathways safe for walking, biking, and rolling in and around the community. To find your local committee, contact Janelle Visser at 308-487-3600 Ext. 105 or jvisser@pphd.ne.gov.

Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.ne.gov.