Kristi King, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – September is an especially dangerous time for children. On average, more kids are hit by cars than any other month, according to a study by Safe Kids Worldwide and FedEx.
The study finds more than 61 children a day are hit by cars in the United States.
In more recent years a disproportionate number of those children are teenagers. The death rate among older teens is now twice that of younger kids.
The jump in teen victims over the past five years corresponds with the rising use of mobile devices, says Kate Carr, president of Safe Kids Worldwide.
Younger children appear to be benefiting from aggressive education campaigns. Compared to five years ago, the rate of injuries for pedestrian children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old has been cut by 65 percent.
Safe Kids recommends teaching minors to avoid distracted walking. The group recommends children take off headphones and remove ear buds when approaching crosswalks to better hear traffic. Also, stop walking when texting or making calls.
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