At my son’s school, fourth grade marks a significant transition: students are finally allowed to walk home independently. Teachers no longer need to ensure that children are picked up by a designated adult. As long as they aren’t taking the bus or staying for after-school activities, kids can head home on their own.
This year, several fourth-graders have begun this new adventure. Many have been walking home for months now. But not my son.
We live just a few blocks from the school—it’s literally on our street. I had every intention of teaching him how to walk home safely. We discussed how to prepare for this new responsibility and what signs would indicate he was ready for the journey.
But here we are, nearing the end of the school year, and I have yet to let him walk home solo.
While my son can be a bit dreamy at times, I trust his ability to focus when it counts. And it’s not that I’m an overly cautious parent; I think I’m pretty average in that regard.
So, it’s not about him. It’s not about me. It’s about you.
Yes, you—those distracted drivers speeding through our neighborhood with their eyes glued to their phones. You are the reason I hesitate to let my responsible 10-year-old son traverse those three blocks to school alone.
To provide some context, not only is our street located in a school zone, but it also serves as a commuter thoroughfare. As we walk, we often encounter commuters rushing to catch their trains, which isn’t the issue.
To get to school, we must navigate past a train station during peak hours. Next to the station is a parking lot where many commuters leave their vehicles. Almost daily, someone races into that lot at breakneck speed, forcing me to shield my children with my arm and shout for them to stop. This reckless driver prioritizes their schedule over kid safety. (Ever heard of leaving a bit earlier to catch that train?!)
Once we pass through the train station’s tunnel, we reach a busy intersection, where parents drop off kids and often attempt U-turns to exit the dead-end street. And yes, this is yet another location where I frequently have to yell at my kids to halt their steps because a mom in a minivan, engrossed in a text about cupcakes for a school event, zooms through a stop sign without noticing us.
Forgive my shouting, but what other recourse do I have? Parents barreling through stop signs and crosswalks in school zones without lifting their heads from their phones—why? Why don’t people grasp that vehicles can be lethal? Cars, while incredible inventions that define modern life, require utmost caution when being operated—especially in neighborhoods where over 200 children gather daily.
For those unaware of pedestrian safety statistics, allow me to enlighten you. According to the CDC, 5,376 pedestrians lost their lives in car accidents in 2015, averaging 1.6 deaths per hour. The most vulnerable populations are our elderly and our children, with one in five pedestrian fatalities involving kids. Disturbingly, nearly half of these deaths are alcohol-related, whether caused by the driver or the pedestrian. Most pedestrian fatalities occur at non-intersection crossings, and speeding drivers heighten the risk of accidents and severe injuries.
Moreover, the CDC notes that around eight people die each day from distracted driving—drivers who are otherwise occupied. (Yes, I’m talking to you, texters. Nothing you’re messaging about is worth risking others’ lives.)
These seem like common-sense rules, right? Don’t drink and drive, don’t speed, and if you’re walking, use crosswalks and stay sober. And for heaven’s sake, stop texting while driving! No exceptions. Just stop.
Yet, it’s clear that many ignore even the most basic safety measures, jeopardizing their lives and the lives of others. As a parent, I’m particularly attuned to those moments when drivers endanger my children.
As for my son walking to school, I might allow him to start next year, but I’ll likely linger a block or two behind him for a while, ensuring he’s hyper-aware of his surroundings. I’ve read that children can’t accurately judge the speed and distance of moving vehicles until they turn 10, so since he just celebrated that milestone, I feel justified in taking my time before letting him venture out alone.
All I ask is for drivers to do their part. There’s nothing so urgent, including being late for work or missing a meeting, that warrants speeding through a residential area, especially one with children. And texting while driving is absolutely inexcusable.
Let’s remember that we’re talking about the lives of our fellow citizens, both young and old. Seriously, nothing is more important than their safety.
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Summary
In a world where distracted driving poses significant risks to children walking home from school, it’s essential for drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety over convenience. As parents, we strive for the balance of granting independence to our children while ensuring their safety.