Four Corners Health Dept. Press Release
Four Corners Health Department reminds drivers, bikers, and walkers to stay alert this summer as school is out and kids are moving. Whether they’re walking to the park, riding bikes with friends, or driving for the first time, warmer months bring increased risks for youth on the roads.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Safety Council, teen drivers are three times more likely to be involved in a deadly crash than adults. Summer can be more dangerous, with more free time, more passengers in the car, and a rise in distracted driving.
Safety Tips for Teen Drivers:
- Avoid distractions. Put the phone away while driving.
- Buckle up—every trip, every time.
- Follow the speed limit. More speed means more danger.
- Limit passengers. More friends in the car means more distractions.
- Stay sober. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Bicycle and pedestrian safety is also important. The Nebraska Department of Transportation–Highway Safety Office (NDOT-HSO) reminds us that children are more likely to be outside during summer months, especially around parks, neighborhoods, and shopping areas.
Bicycle Safety Reminders:
- Wear a properly fitted helmet every time. Learn more about fitting your helmet here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/8019_fitting-a-helmet.pdf
- Ride in the same direction as traffic and use hand signals.
- Stay visible with bright clothes and bike lights.
- Watch for cars turning or backing out of driveways and parking spaces.
Pedestrian Safety Reminders:
- Cross streets at corners or crosswalks.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Don’t use phones or headphones while walking across roads or in parking lots.
- Be extra careful around parked cars and driveways.
Parking lots are another danger zone. They’re busy places, especially around stores, libraries, and community pools. Kids can be hard to see, especially if they’re short or dart between cars.
We all have a role in keeping our kids safe this summer. Put your phone down, slow down, and be extra aware in neighborhoods, crosswalks, and parking lots.
As the weather starts to warm up, remember to be aware of kids in cars. Children’s bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults, making them especially vulnerable in hot cars. Just 10 minutes in a parked vehicle can turn deadly, with interior temperatures rising quickly. “stop, look, and lock.”
To learn more about how you can help prevent crashes and injuries, visit https://fourcorners.ne.gov/programs-services-2/road-safety/ or https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving.
For questions or to learn more, call Four Corners at 402-362-2621 or 877-337-3573 or email us at info@fourcorners.ne.gov. Visit the Four Corners website at https://fourcorners.ne.gov. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, and subscribe to our YouTube channel @fc_healthdept!
