Human Resources

School’s Out: It’s Time to Talk About Summer Safety

For children, summer means freedom, adventure, and fun — it’s the time of year that children wait for with eager anticipation. Summer brings the promise of swimming, bike riding, playing outdoors, camping, fishing, vacationing, and other fun-filled activities. Since many children will be free to roam outdoors, expect to see children playing — at any time, in any location.

What can you do to ensure children’s safety this summer?

If you have children of your own:

• Remind them of the dangers that exist outdoors as well as indoors.
• Instruct them never to play on or near the street, and to never approach a postal vehicle (or any vehicle) that is attempting to make a delivery.
• Advise them of other hazards associated with out­door summer activities, such as insect bites; sun­burn; slip, trip, and fall hazards; dangerous weather; swimming hazards; unfamiliar dogs; etc.
• Teach them everything you have learned about safety!

At all times and especially when on the job:

• Remain on guard constantly for children playing on or near neighborhood streets, parks, fields, and homes — anywhere, at any time.
• Expect the unexpected when children are near!
• Remember that a child can dart into the path of your vehicle at any moment.
• Be aware that a child on a bike can ride into the path of your vehicle.
• Avoid backing up on your delivery route unless it is absolutely necessary, and only after making sure that every side of your vehicle, including the rear, is com­pletely clear of all objects — especially children and pedestrians.

Keep an eye on all pedestrians — adults as well as children!

Always remain alert for pedestrians, and be aware of these facts:

• Although pedestrians are involved in less than 3 out of 100 accidents, approximately 3 out of 10 persons killed in traffic accidents each year are pedestrians.
• Pedestrians don’t always use crosswalks when crossing streets, so be alert at all times when driving your own vehicle — and Postal Service vehicles.

Finally, remember that it is imperative for all of us to employ safe driving practices, especially when outdoor activity is at peak levels.

— Safety Performance Management,
Employee Resource Management, 6-21-07