Children account for one out of every 11 pedestrian deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency looked at pedestrian accidents involving children ages 14 and younger in 2001 and found that:

• Vehicles killed 444 young pedestrians and injured 21,000 more.
• Three out of seven children’s deaths took place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Just one out of five deaths occurred at an intersection.
• Boys accounted for two out of three fatalities.

“These days, with so many cars on the roads, crossing streets or roller-skating around the neighborhood can be very risky business,” says Debra Brown, a registered nurse and manager of trauma services at Children’s Medical Center Dallas. But parents can take steps to keep their children safe, for instance, by coaching them on how to cross streets.

“Don’t just tell your child how to stay safe as a pedestrian,” Brown says. “Instead, dedicate a few hours to walking around the neighborhood with your child and demonstrating your safety instructions in person.” You also should:

• Supervise young children at all times. “No child younger than 10 should ever be allowed to walk around outside after dark,” Brown adds.
• Ensure that your child wears a helmet and retroreflective material when riding a bike or in-line skating.
• Help your children understand and obey all traffic rules.
• Teach children to be careful around moving vehicles.
• Lead by example by using good safety practices when you cross the street.
• Work with officials to slow down traffic in your community.