The final school bell has rung, backpacks are packed away, and summer adventures are officially underway. While students may be taking a break from the classroom, road safety remains as important as ever.
Summer brings changes to travel patterns throughout our communities. Children spend more time outdoors, families head to parks and pools, cyclists take advantage of longer daylight hours, and pedestrians are more active throughout the day. With more people walking, biking, rolling, and driving, everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe.
Drivers: Stay Alert and Expect the Unexpected
Without the structure of the school day, children may be outside at different times and in different places than usual. Drivers should remain vigilant, especially in residential neighborhoods, near parks, playgrounds, trails, and community centers.
Safety Reminders for Drivers:
- Obey posted speed limits and slow down in residential areas.
- Watch carefully for children who may dart into the street unexpectedly.
- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving.
- Check mirrors and blind spots for cyclists before turning or opening vehicle doors.
- Allow at least four feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
Remember: A few extra seconds of caution can prevent a life-changing crash.
Parents: Help Children Build Safe Habits
Summer is a great time to reinforce safe walking and biking habits. Whether children are heading to a friend’s house, riding to the park, or exploring the neighborhood, practicing safe behaviors can help prevent injuries.
Teach Children to:
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- Cross only at intersections or designated crosswalks whenever possible.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions from phones or headphones.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet every time they ride.
- Ride predictably and follow traffic rules.
Young children should always be supervised near roadways and parking lots.
Pedestrians: Walk Smart 
Walking is a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to get around, but safety should always come first.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
- Use sidewalks whenever available, walk facing traffic if sidewalks are not available.
- Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections.
- Stay visible, especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime hours.
- Avoid walking while distracted by mobile devices.
- Be aware of turning vehicles when crossing intersections.
Even if you have the right of way, stay alert and make sure drivers see you before entering the roadway.
Cyclists: Ride Predictably and Be Seen
Summer is one of the most popular times of year for bicycling. Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or enjoying a family ride, following the rules of the road helps everyone stay safe.
Safety Tips for Cyclists:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Obey traffic signs and signals.
- Use lights and reflectors when riding at night.
- Signal turns and lane changes.
- Stay visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
Drivers and cyclists share the road, and mutual respect goes a long way toward preventing crashes.
Everyone Benefits from Safe
Streets
Safe roads are a shared responsibility. Whether you’re behind the wheel, on a walk, biking to the park, or supervising children at play, your choices contribute to a safer community for everyone.
As summer activities ramp up, take an extra moment to slow down, stay aware, and look out for one another. Together, we can help ensure that everyone enjoys a fun, active, and safe summer season.
From all of us at Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association (GMTMA), have a safe and enjoyable summer!