Watch For Me OK
Mar 12, 2025
In navigating the rhythms of school years, mid-semester staycations, and summer adventures, prioritizing the safety of little ones is always at the forefront of our minds. Watch For Me OK’s goal is to equip everyone from parents to pedestrians and everyone in between with tools and resources that can help keep kids safe on their daily journeys.
Much like adults, children face numerous risks when navigating traffic situations, but depending on their developmental stage and physical characteristics, kids are at a uniquely higher risk for danger. Their natural curiosity and susceptibility to distractions are key factors to consider with younger ones, especially since their smaller stature can make it harder to spot them. With a solid foundation of road rules and best practices, combined with a community commitment to safety, together we can keep our youngest travelers protected wherever they roam.
In order to best share the road when traveling, here are a few important safety rules to follow:
Essential Safety Tips for All Ages
Model safe practices: Demonstrate safe behaviors, especially when in the presence of little ones, such as always wearing a helmet or seatbelt and looking both ways before crossing. Our free kids educational resources can be a great place to start these lessons.
Slow down in school zones: School zone speed limits are typically lowered to 15-25 mph during school hours. Obeying these limits ensures drivers can react in time to protect kiddos who may dart into the road away from crosswalks.
Be mindful of crosswalks & sidewalks: Where available, always walk on sidewalks or paths and let your children see you using crosswalk infrastructure. Make it interactive by asking them to push the “cross” button when you’re walking together. They will grow to emulate these habits.
Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing after dusk or in times of low light and avoid traveling in areas where it might be difficult to be seen by drivers.
Stay alert: Remove any distractions that may take your mind off the road in front of you, regardless of if you are walking, riding, or driving. If necessary, use devices hands-free while in transit.
Resources at Your Fingertips
Everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely, but it is a shared responsibility. For more on how we can share in these efforts, Watch For Me OK’s website offers free downloadable and printable resources to help promote and teach road safety for all ages.
With education, awareness, and a united front, we can ensure our streets are safe for tiny travelers to learn and grow. Whether you're a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, staying alert and following traffic laws creates a safer environment for everyone, especially children.