Ohio students, parents, teachers and community members are encouraged to celebrate International Walk to School Day on Wednesday.
This day highlights the benefits and raises awareness of the importance of children’s safety while walking or biking to school.
This year, more than 95 Ohio schools have registered for the event through a national database.
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ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program and Your Move Ohio campaign provides $4 million each year for building or improving sidewalks and crosswalks.
“Drivers should slow down and look for students walking along and crossing the road near schools on this day and all days,” said Cait Harley, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School and Active Transportation Manager.
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Your Move Ohio offers these safety tips for motorists and pedestrians:
- Put your cellphone away
- Slow down, speed limits are the maximum
- Yield to people walking at intersections and marked crosswalks, every intersection is a crosswalk, painted or not
- Don't pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk
- Give people biking at least three-feet when passing, bikes are vehicles and can legally use the full travel lane
- Check for people walking and biking when making a turn
- Look out for people walking and biking, especially outside of daylight hours and in the rain
- Cross at intersections or in marked crosswalks
- Walk in the opposite direction of traffic
- Reflective clothing and lights can increase visibility
