CLARION CO., Pa. – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Clarion Venango Safe Kids coalition, and Rocky Grove High School Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) group partnered to host a pedestrian project to mark International Walk to School Month.
The weeklong program kicked off on October 15 with a focus on a different pedestrian safety tip each day through October 19. Peer-to-peer activities were used throughout the week to reinforce safe walking practices, such as using the marked crosswalk in front of the high school.
At the end of the week, one student who participated was chosen at random to receive a Fitbit watch and walking safety package donated by Safe Kids Clarion-Venango and the Walk This Way program sponsor, FedEx.
The Rocky Grove High School outreach was just one of several programs done throughout October by PennDOT and Clarion Venango Safe Kids. Guest readers also visited several local schools and Head Start classrooms to share books on safe walking, and pedestrian safety programs were presented at Hot Spots youth gathering centers in Oil City.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 20 percent of children age 14 and younger who were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2016 were pedestrians.
Drivers and pedestrians both have a responsibility to follow the law and safely share the road.
PennDOT offers the following safe walking tips:
• Wear light-colored, reflective clothing, especially when walking at night.
• When a sidewalk is not provided, walk against traffic.
• Use marked crosswalks and make eye contact with motorists before crossing the street.
• Be aware of the surroundings and watch for vehicles that are turning or backing up.
Safe Kids Worldwide with the support of FedEx provided Clarion Venango Safe Kids with a grant in support of the International Walk to School Month programs. Additional partners included the Knox Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Child Development Centers, Inc., Keystone School District, Keystone SMILES Community Learning Center, Weed & Seed Hot Spots, Cub Scout Pack 37, and St. Patrick School.
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit www.penndot.gov/safety.
