A study published in the August 2009 edition of the journal Injury Prevention looked at motor vehicle-related fatalities in Toronto involving children under the age of 18* and reported that:

• Almost 50% of collisions occurred during school travel times (07:00–09:00, 12:00–13:00 and 15:00–17:00)
• The highest proportion of collisions (37.3%) occurred among 10–14-year-olds
• Within school zones, collisions were more likely to occur among 5–9-year-old children
• The risk of collisions, particularly fatal ones, was highest in school zones and decreased as distance from schools increased
• Most collisions within school zones occurred at midblock locations versus intersections
• More child pedestrian collisions occurred during the school year (from September to June), with a drop in the summer (July and August). Perhaps a little surprisingly, there were fewer collisions during the winter months.

Now you may be thinking that these facts speak for themselves, since the highest concentration of children will always be found in school zones, during the school year and during school travel times.  But consider also that pedestrian injuries are a leading cause of injury and death in children, and account for almost 20% of motor vehicle-related fatalities.  Great progress has been made to improve safety of motor vehicles and their occupants, and this study targets an easily identified risk group.  The researchers felt a better understanding of the facts could enable better interventions around schools to help our children to be safer.

If you are a parent or an educator, the results of this study are helpful for teaching children to understand the very real dangers they may face every day while walking to and from school or the school bus.  Talk to them regularly about the risks and how to make their journey a safer one.  Encourage them to always cross the road at intersections, preferably with the help of a crossing guard.  If the school is on a busy street with fast moving traffic, or if there are insufficient safe crossing points, you may wish to raise your concerns to the principal or even the school superintendent, helping them develop safe and practical strategies that can save lives.   Many local police departments will be happy to send an officer to speak directly with students about road safety.  Ask if you may address your child’s class or even the entire school body.  You may wish to work with other parent volunteers to start a Kiss & Ride system.  Draft a safety message to be included in the school newsletter or on the website.

Oftentimes, children need to hear safety messages a number of times before they sink in, and not all parents are equally diligent, so it is certainly helpful to spread your safety message to as wide an audience as possible.

As drivers, we should also be especially alert when driving in school zones.  You may even consider taking a different route if this is an option.  The actions of school children are not always predictable and even a momentary distraction by either party could have fatal consequences.

For some excellent tips for both pedestrians and drivers in and around school zones, you may wish to refer to the SafeKidsUSA website.

*Warsh J, Rothman L, Slater M, Steverango C, Howard A. 2009. Are school zones effective?
An examination of motor vehicle versus child pedestrian crashes near schools. Injury
Prevention. 15:226-229.