Welcome to fall! Although technically it is still summer, the school year is making its debut as we enter September. With students starting a new school year at all ages, from kindergarteners taking their first solo bus trip to college students embarking on a new commute to their Long Island and Manhattan universities, fall means more students out and about on the roads. The commute congestion does not only belong to those in the learning world— quarter four is a hectic time for all and may result in hustle and bustle to get to the office quicker. No one likes road rage and no one deserves to be in danger just for trying to get places on time, both by foot or wheel, so let's go over how to remain vigilant when walking, biking, and driving this fall, especially as students return to school.
Walking to the bus stop, across the parking lot from their guardian's car, or simply walking to school, children ages seven to 17 have the highest rate of pedestrian crashes under 25. According to The Institute of Traffic Safety Management and Research (ITSMR), 215 children were struck and four were killed in 2022 on Long Island. In 2023, 243 children were struck, with two being killed, and so far in 2024, we have had 48 children between seven and 17 struck by vehicles; thankfully they all survived. These numbers represent individual children’s lives. In November of 2023, Amir Porterfield was struck and killed in a hit-and-run near Copiague High School following his football game. In December of 2023, a 13-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle on her way to the bus stop in Eastport, the bus stop sign was extended at the time as seen by bus camera footage. More recently, a 16-year-old girl was struck in Bethpage this past June, sustaining serious injuries. The dangers of being a pedestrian will not vanish overnight, but as both drivers and pedestrians, we can learn to be safer in hopes of preventing further tragedy. These crashes were preventable.
When walking or biking to your destination, whether at school or work, always remember to stay aware of your surroundings. Employ these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to stay safe and aware as a pedestrian this September:
When walking, stay on the sidewalk if applicable and go against traffic so you can see what cars are in your general vicinity.
Use marked crosswalks when you can and avoid crossing when it is not your turn, even if you can’t see a car, that doesn’t mean it is not there.
If wearing headphones, keep one ear open for honks or warning signs. Wear reflective gear such as an armband or vest if walking during darker times, both morning and night.
For cyclists, the safety tips differ slightly:
Ride your bike with the flow of traffic in a designated bike lane if available or the shoulder lane.
Signal with arms what direction you need to turn in.
Wear your safety gear consisting of a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and long clothing to cover any skin.
Before taking your bike out, do a full safety check of the tire pressure and breaks to ensure everything is up to par.
If riding before sun up or after sundown, use a headlamp and reflective gear such as a vest, armband, or reflective tape on your bike to remain visible to passing vehicles or other pedestrians.
Pedestrian safety is a year-round issue that affects Long Islanders of all ages, but children walking to get their education should be a priority for the safety of our communities. As drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, we all need to know and follow the laws, proceed with caution, and look out for our fellow Long Island road users. As we approach the first day of school, everyone from kindergarten to their Master’s program and beyond deserves a safe and happy commute to school.
About Walk Safe Long Island (WSLI)
WSLI is a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign that aims to teach Long Islanders about walking and biking safely through law-based education. WSLI is produced for the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety by the Long Island Health Collaborative, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with a grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee.
New York State is taking numerous measures to tackle the issue of pedestrian and cyclist safety, all of which culminate in the New York State Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (PSAP). The plan emphasizes making streets safer by implementing the “Three Es—” engineering, enforcement, and education. Walk Safe Long Island is part of the third “E,” education.
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