In observance of International Walk to School Day Celebrations in October, Safe Kids Mid-South and FedEx volunteers will host several events to raise awareness about being safe pedestrians:
 
October 1  2:30 - 4:00 p.m.  
Walk This Way from Delano Elementary (1716 Delano, Memphis)
to Ed Rice Community Center (2907 N. Watkins, Memphis)

October 2  9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  
Walk This Way outdoor activities for 4th graders Southwind Elementary
(8155 Meadowview, Germantown)

October 3   8:30 - 9:30 a.m.  
Walk This Way outdoor activities for 4th graders Snowden Elementary
(1870 N. Parkway, Memphis)

October 3  1:00 - 2:00 p.m. 
Walk This Way outdoor activities for 4th graders at Grahamwood Elementary
(3950 Summer Avenue, Memphis)

Since 2000, Safe Kids Mid-South has participated in the Safe Kids Walk This Way pedestrian safety initiative, sponsored by FedEx. Through this year-round effort, children learn important safety tips and behaviors for walking safely. In addition, school PTA safety committees, community centers, and interested parents are involved in identifying and working to resolve pedestrian safety hazards or dangerous areas surrounding their schools, educate pedestrians and drivers about safe behaviors, enforce traffic laws and improve environments for child pedestrians.

Nationwide, pedestrian injuries are the number two cause of accidental death among children ages 5 to 14. Each year, in the United States, more than 630 children are killed and 33,000 are treated in emergency departments as a result of pedestrian injuries. According to injury statistics, children residing in low-income households are most at-risk for these types of injuries. However, between 1995 and 2005, the number of child pedestrian fatalities has decreased by 51 percent.

"Parents, caregivers and teachers need to be aware of influencing factors for children when they are walking and address those when teaching children about pedestrian safety," says Susan A. Helms R.N., M.A.L.S., Director of Injury Prevention and Safe Kids at Le Bonheur Children's. "Walking is an important and healthy activity but everyone needs to do their part to keep this activity safe for kids. Parents and caregivers need to teach children safe behaviors, but drivers must be especially aware and on the lookout for children on or near the road!"

If you would like more information about what Safe Kids Mid-South is doing to help improve pedestrian safety in our community, please contact the coalition at (901) 287-6730. For additional information about preventing child pedestrian injuries, visit www.usa.safekids.org/wtw.

Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center and part of an international organization (Safe Kids Worldwide), works to prevent accidental injury to children, the leading killer of children age 14 and under.

Safe Kids Walk This Way, a grassroots pedestrian safety initiative in more that 500 schools nationwide, is made possible through support from program sponsor FedEx.

International Walk to School Day is dedicated to walking to school with a purpose - to promote physical activity, safety, health and concern for the environment. International Walk to School Day is promoted  nationall y by The Partnership for a Walkable America. www.walktoschool.org