Walking to school is a great way to be active, spend time outside and can even help reduce traffic in your neighborhood. If your child is going to walk to school, it's also important that they take a few simple safety precautions.
During the back-to-school season, the Emergency Department at Children's Health℠ sees an increase in trauma-related pedestrian, bike and school bus injuries, many of which can be prevented.
The Children's Health Injury Prevention team shares best practices to help your child walk to school safely.
What age can kids start walking to school without an adult?
In general, kids should be at least 10 years old to start walking to school without an adult.
Children of any age can walk to school with a trusted adult. Walking with them at a younger age can help them know things like what path to take and where to cross the street. You might also consider a "walking carpool" with other families in your neighborhood, where families meet up and walk to school together. When kids get older, they can walk to school together without an adult.
5 safety tips for walking to school
1. Plan a safe route
A safe walk to school starts with a safe route. The safest areas to walk have:
- Sidewalks
- Pedestrian safety lights with countdown timers
- Crossing signs
- Crosswalks with flashing lights to alert drivers
- Flashing school zone and speed limit signs
2. Cross the street safely
You can help your child cross the street safely by teaching them to:
- Hold a grown-up's hand when they cross the street or are in parking lots.
- Always cross the street at a corner or crosswalk and obey traffic signals. Cross with a crossing guard if there is one.
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic.
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street. Continue looking both ways while you cross.
- Do not cross behind a bus or between cars where a driver cannot see you.
- Always make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.
As a parent, it's important to also be mindful of pedestrian rules to set a good example for your child.
3. Avoid distractions
Encourage kids to stay off cell phones and not wear earphones. Kids should be able to hear their surroundings when walking to school.
4. Increase your child's visibility
Dress your child in light or bright colored clothing or get them a bright colored backpack, so drivers can see them more easily.
5. Teach your child not to talk to strangers
Make sure that your child knows not to talk to strangers or accept a ride from anyone they don't know, and to run away or call for help if they need it.
Learn more
Children's Health is here to help as your child prepares for a new year at school. Read more about how to safely bike or take the school bus to school.
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