(NAPSA)-—As the days get shorter, it will get dark even earlier. More children will be traveling home from school and other activities in the dark, which puts them at greater risk of injuries from traffic crashes. Children are most likely to he hit by a car when they are close to home, at midblock locations, between 4 pum. and 8 p.m. Most often, the child darts into the street. What Parents Can Do First, help children learn and practice an important safety rule: Be Seen to Be Safe. During the day and at dawn and dusk, children should wearbright or fluorescent clothing. Colors such as dayglo green, hot pink, or construction worker orange araplify light and help the wearer stand out in a crowd. At night, however, these colors appear te be black. Se if children will be out after dark, they should earry a flashlight and/or wear retrorefiective gear that reflects light back to its souree 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 tage on their jacket, shoes, cap, helmet, or backpack, a child’s odds of being geen are even more improved. The sooner motorists are alerted to something-—like a child moving up ahead—the sooner they can react. Next, rernind children to “stop, look left-right-left, and listen” before crossing the street, even when there is a traffic signal. Also, remind kids to avoid jay- As it gets dark earlier, motorists must be more aware of children walking or bicycling home from school or activities. walking and“jaybiking,” and crossing streets from between parkedvebicles. Crosswaiks are safer and more visible, especially after dark. What Motorists Can Do Motorists must be alert and pay special attention to safe driving rules in low-light conditions. Watch earefully for children who may be waiking or riding their bikes. Always drive at a safe speed, especially on unlitor winding roads, or when using lowbearns. To help increase your ability to see at night, be sure to take off your sunglasses at dusk. Wipeoff your headlights regularly, and keep your windshield clean, both inside and out. Adjust the rearview mirror to the “night” setting te avoid headlight glare. If you need to use your high beams on an unkt road, be sure te turn them off when anothercar approaches. You can learn more safety tips online at www.nhtsa.dat.gov/people/ injury,
