St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Promotes Safe Walking for Local School Children on International Walk to School Day

In honor of International Walk to School Day, Safe Kids Tampa led by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and FedEx are teaming up to teach students at Fishhawk Creek Elementary School safe bicycle and pedestrian behaviors on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015 at 7:30 a.m. 

During the “Walk and Roll to School” parade, parents will walk or bike with their children to school, allowing them to identify pedestrian hazards and enforce traffic laws. In addition, Child Advocates from St. Joseph's Children's Hospital will perform free bike helmet fittings and distribute reflective backpacks and other safety items.

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, nearly 500 children are killed each year and thousands are treated in emergency departments for pedestrian-related injuries. A report by the national coalition Transportation for America lists Florida as the deadliest state for pedestrians and cyclists, and the Tampa Bay area is the second worst in the state. Pedestrian problems identified during the “Walk and Roll to School” event will guide the coalition’s efforts to make the trip to school safer for children.

Parents and students will meet Child Advocates from St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and FedEx employees at the Lawn in Park Square, which is located in the Fishhawk Ranch community. Together, the group will parade to the school