OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A number of recent high-profile accidents have tragically taken the lives of area young people. However, experts say there are things you can do to keep your children safe.
- Children's Hospital and Medical Center says parents need to remind kids to look both ways and use crosswalks when possible.
- If you are riding a bike, keep your phones down and your head up. Wear bright, reflective clothing at night. Use bike lanes where possible, and be careful riding near other vehicles.
- While driving, avoid texting, using your cell phones, and other distractions like eating behind the wheel.
- Follow all posted speed limits, especially in school zones, and pay extra attention at cross walks.
- Be on the lookout for bicyclists.
- Back out and pull into driveways slowly, watching for playing children.
As a PARENT
- Teach children about being safe near streets.
- Have children cross the street at crosswalks, but teach them to always be alert for vehicles.
- Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
Last week, 10-year-old Abby Whitford died after being struck by a car in Papillion, raising concerns over one intersection. In Plattsmouth, a 7-year-old boy was hit. Out in Blair, where residents say semi truck traffic is a big problem, an 11-year-old riding his bike was killed after being hit by a truck. Lastly, on Tuesday, a 2-year-old girl died after an SUV hit her near 18th and Oak Streets.
Overall in 2019, deaths on Nebraska roads are up compared to past years.
