October 5th is International Walk to School Day and this year's campaign slogan is "Hike it. Bike it. I like it!" The organization that organizes this event, the National Center for Safe Routes to School, provides technical support and resources and coordinates online registration efforts for U.S. Walk to School Day.
The national campaign aims to promote healthy living while reducing the risk of pedestrian accidents involving school children.
Our pedestrian accident attorneys understand that this time of year is perfect to discuss the dangers and risks that our young walkers face on our roadways. As school recently started and the fall is now upon us, these young walkers face high risks for serious injuries on their way to and from school. Young pedestrians are oftentimes unable to comprehend the movement and the danger of traffic. This inability to understand these risks puts them at an even greater danger.
To help promote safe driving habits among motorists in areas where we're likely to see young pedestrians, Georgia's Bicycle & Pedestrian Program campaigns to raise awareness. The program also uses its State Bike/Pedestrian Coordinator to work with a number of local planners and project managers to create safer pathways for bikers and on-foot travelers in our state. These roadways are taken from the Georgia DOT roadway construction projects. The program works with a number of regional, state and local governments and transportation departments to encourage participation from non-profit organizations, public health officials, safety agencies and other stakeholders.
Walk to School Day has been celebrated across the globe since 1997. More than 40 countries participate in the festivities and recognize walking as a common interest and a healthy way to commute. In 2010, participation in the event reached an all-time high at more than 3,500 events registered in the U.S. The organizers of the campaign believe that there were many more events that were held but were not registered.
Through the four E's; education, encouragement, enforcement and engineering, this celebration aims to create awareness in motorists and local officials about the importance and the safety of our young walkers and bicyclists. Parents are urged to discuss safety tips with their children to help preserve safety on our roadways.
If you are injured in an accident, contact the North Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Casey W. Stevens Law: Alpharetta Personal Injury and Car Accident Lawyers. Call 877-217-7230 for a free case evaluation. Serving all of North Georgia, including Dawsonville, Suwanee, and Woodstock.