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

TAMPA, Fla. (Oct. 5, 2018) – In honor of International Walk to School Day, Safe Kids Tampa led by St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, FedEx and Safe Routes to School are teaming up on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, to teach students at Hunters Green Elementary, Turner Bartels K-8 School STEM School and Fishhawk Creek Elementary safe bicycle and pedestrian behaviors. 

During the “Walk and Roll to School” parades, parents will walk or bike with their children to school, allowing them to identify pedestrian hazards and enforce traffic laws. In addition, St. Joseph's Children's Hospital’s Wellness and Safety experts 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 consistently ranks as one of the most unsafe cities in the state for pedestrians and cyclists. 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.

To keep kids safe as they bike or walk to school, be sure to review the following tips.