As Garland ISD students get back to school, the top priority is to make sure they stay safe. This includes making sure they understand the potential dangers involving cellphone use.
According to the National Safety Council, children ages 5 to 9 were at more risk than any other age group for being struck by a vehicle while walking in years past. However, in today’s world with cellphones, social media, texting and more, teenagers are more likely to be hit by a car than younger kids.
Pedestrian fatalities have increased in all age groups since 2009 and the number of pedestrian fatalities in 2019 reached over 6,200. Distracted walking – walking while using a mobile device – is now considered a deadly distraction along with texting while driving.
Teens often do not understand the dangers, as they tend to hold on to the “that won’t happen to me” attitude.
Before your children (of all ages) head out, go over the following safety precautions with them.
- Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
- If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk
- Never cross the street while using an electronic device
- Do not walk with headphones in your ears
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if you must walk on the street, face oncoming traffic
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street
- Cross only at crosswalks
Adult drivers also need to be reminded of the dangers of using mobile devices while driving.
THERE IS NO SITUATION THAT JUSTIFIES USING A PHONE WHILE DRIVING.
True data is non-existent. Everyone knows that cellphone-related wrecks are a problem, but incidents are under reported. There is no truly accurate data because there is no test for cellphone use while driving and because drivers are often reluctant to admit to cellphone use. Remember that ONE CALL OR TEXT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.
Sources: www.nsc.org, www.safekids.org