As autumn turns toward winter, we know the days are growing shorter. When we turn our clocks back to Standard Time on October 29, it will get dark even earlier. But what we may not realize is that this also means that more children will be traveling to and from school in the dark, which puts them at greater risk of injuries from traffic crashes. Over half of all fatal pedestrian crashes and over one fourth of fatal bicycle crashes involving school age children (ages 5 through 18) occur in low light or dark conditions.

There are many things you can do to help your kids-or the kids in your neighborhood- get to school each morning and reach home safely at the end of the day. First, you can help them learn and practice this important safety rule: Be Seen To Be Safe. Let kids know that during the day and at dawn and dusk, they should wear bright or flourescent clothing. These colors (day-glo green, hot pink, or construction worker orange) amplify light and help the wearer stand out in a crowd. However, at night, these colors appear to be black, so kids should carry a flashlight and/or wear retroreflective gear that reflects light back to its source so motorists can see them. A motorist will quickly detect a child walking with a lit flashlight, or riding on a bike with an attached headlight and flashing taillight. And when combined with retroreflective gear or strips of retroreflective tape on their jacket, shoes, cap, helmet, or backpack, a child’s odds of being seen are even more greatly improved. The sooner motorists are alerted to something - like a child - moving up ahead, the sooner they can react.

Second, you can help kids remember to “stop, look left-right-left, and listen” before stepping off the curb, even where there is a traffic signal. Accompany your children when they walk to and from school as often as possible.

Third, you can remind kids to avoid “jaywalking” and crossing from between parked vehicles. Crosswalks are safer and more visible, especially after dark.

Motorists can also help by paying special attention to safe driving rules in low-light conditions. First, and most important, you must be alert if you are on the road after dark. Watch carefully for children who may be walking or riding their bikes. Always drive at a safe speed, especially on unlit or winding roads or when using low beams. Never pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended and red lights flashing.

To help increase your ability to see at night, be sure to take off your sunglasses at dusk. Wipe off your headlights regularly, and keep your windshield clean, both inside and out. Adjust the rearview mirror to the “night” setting to avoid headlight glare. If you need to use your high beams on an unlit road, be sure to turn them off when another car approaches.

For more information on how you can help the kids in your community get to and from school safely, at any time of day, contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at www.nhtsa.dot.gov or by fax at (202) 366-7721