Now that the summer break is ending and children are going back in school, it is important to teach your children safety tips, especially if they walk to school. There are many things you can do to help protect your children when walking to and from school.

* Discuss a plan. Determine the safest route for your child to use on their walk. Look at things like traffic volume, speed limits, the availability of sidewalks, lighting and available crossing guards.

* Once you determine a route, walk the route with your child and discuss any hazards as you walk. Teach them how traffic signals work and educate them when the proper time to cross at an intersection which is designated by signals.

* Explain to your child the importance of looking both ways twice, and listening to your surroundings before crossing the street. Remind them to continue to watch for cars even when they are crossing the street.

* Educate your children on the importance of using a crosswalk (preferably with crossing guards) and the dangers of crossing mid-block.

* Encourage or insist your child walk with a group of other children. Set up a group of parents who can alternate walking with the children. Warn them about the dangers of accepting rides from people they do not know.

* Tell your child to avoid taking “shortcuts” and stay on the route you have chosen for them.

* Have a family member or a trusted friend your child can go to in the event of an emergency.

Working together as a community we can educate ourselves and our children on the safety of walking to school.