With the Milford School District concluding classes on June 11, local officials and safety advocates are reminding motorists to remain vigilant as children and teenagers spend more time outdoors during the summer months.
The end of the school year means increased activity in neighborhoods, parks, playgrounds and community gathering spaces throughout the day. Children riding bicycles, walking to friends’ homes, playing near streets and crossing roadways unexpectedly can create additional hazards for drivers.
The reminder comes as Delaware continues to face significant pedestrian safety challenges. According to the Delaware State Police 2024 Annual Traffic Statistical Report, 34 pedestrians were killed on Delaware roadways in 2024, an increase from 29 pedestrian deaths in 2023. The report also found that for every pedestrian killed, approximately nine others were injured in traffic crashes.
Traffic safety experts say summer months can be particularly dangerous because children are no longer following the structured routines of the school day and often spend more time outside during daylight and evening hours. Young children may be difficult to see when drivers are backing out of driveways, while older children and teens may be walking, biking or using scooters near roadways.
Motorists are encouraged to eliminate distractions such as cell phones, obey posted speed limits and use extra caution in residential neighborhoods and near parks, sports fields and recreational facilities. Parents are also encouraged to discuss summer safety with their children, including using crosswalks when available, looking both ways before crossing streets and wearing helmets while riding bicycles.
As families begin summer vacation, officials hope a combination of attentive driving and safe pedestrian practices will help reduce preventable injuries and keep Delaware’s roads safe for everyone.
