International Walk to School Day focuses on safety

Local coordinator says be mindful of kids,
especially during dawn/dusk

There’s been a drive for many years to get kids walking to school again.

The entire Safe Routes to School program is predicated on that very thing. 

Doing it safely is the message today during International Walk to School Day. Several staged walks in La Crosse marked the start of the day. 

The event is orchestrated by Gundersen Health System’s Erica Kane, Safe Kids Coulee Region coordinator.  She says the safety of kids walking to school can often depend on time of day – with dawn and dusk tending to be the most dangerous.

With that in mind, Kane says visibility is the most important part of walking to school safely. 

Her tips: Cross the street in crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, wear bright clothing or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight in dim lighting situations.