With the spring weather beginning to arrive, everyone is ready to get outdoors for some fresh air and activity. The Activate Alliance committee wants to remind students walking, biking, or rolling to and from school of the importance of using crosswalks and being respectful to crossing guards.
Crossing guards have been placed at several crosswalks identified as priority locations for safety.
The committee encourages students to be extra kind, respectful, and attentive to their instructions as they are offering their time to be sure they are safe. Also, it’s important to use a crosswalk when available, not cross in the middle of the block, and be sure not to dart out into the street.
Crosswalks are marked throughout the community and are there to keep people safe and help drivers see pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicles are required by law to yield to people in crosswalks. Be sure to make eye contact with the driver and not cross until the vehicle is at a complete stop. As a pedestrian, cyclist, or driver lessen any distractions to keep everyone safe while out and about.
As a driver, watch your speed too! Many pedestrian deaths from car crashes could be eliminated by lowering the speed. For example, if a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle traveling at 20 miles per hour (MPH), nine out of 10 pedestrians survive. Whereas, if a vehicle is traveling 30 MPH, five out of 10 pedestrians survive. Worse yet, at 40 MPH, only one out of 10 pedestrians survive. The Nebraska Department of Transportation noted 2018 had the highest number of pedestrians killed in car crashes in the last ten years. Nationally, pedestrian deaths are at a 30-year high.\
Slowing traffic down around schools, downtown areas, and throughout the community is key to if parents are willing to encourage their children to walk or bike to school or if an elderly person feels safe enough to walk to the grocery store.
Activate Alliance is comprised of school, community residents, hospital, city, law enforcement, public transit, senior services, community center, and public health, has been meeting monthly with the goal of making Alliance a safer place to walk, bike, and roll.
This work was identified through Box Butte General Hospital’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Public health’s role is to assist in organizing the effort by finding funding opportunities that align with
the plan and coordinate the monthly meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for March 16 from 10-11 a.m. at the Alliance Senior Center. The group is also coordinating a Complete Streets training on April 6 at the Alliance Library. If you are interested in more information, contact Janelle Visser at 308-487-3600 Ext. 105.
Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety and quality of life for all who live, learn, work and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community.