Stop and Look, but Listen?

Summer has officially begun in communities around the country. Bicycle and foot traffic will increase as children excitedly head toward various activities and outings.

This is a reminder to parents of kids on foot and bikes that the “listen” part of the old safety adage “stop, look and listen” is no longer reliable.

I drive a Prius. I often keep a distance and idle behind people because they can’t hear me. I do not honk my horn as I am reluctant to startle people when it is not an emergency, but all hybrid drivers are not as aware. They will honk, nudge and tailgate; a recipe for disaster.

Please encourage your children to increase their awareness, particularly at blind corners, and not allow their sense of hearing to indicate safety. And if you are a hybrid driver, be patient and increase your awareness of the lack of awareness.

Oh yeah, and make your kids wear helmets when they ride bikes.