As summer approaches and families begin planning camps, programs, and outdoor activities, child safety moves to the top of every parent’s mind. At Lever & Ecker, PLLC, we believe that informed families are safer families. That’s why we put together two practical resources for the Westchester Family Camp Fair — and we want to share them with you here.
8 Walking Safety Tips to Share With Your Kids
Pedestrian safety is one of those topics that can feel basic, but the numbers tell a different story. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian crashes are a leading cause of injury for school-age children — and many are preventable.
Here are eight tips worth revisiting with your kids before they head out this summer:
- Find a walking buddy — children under 10 should not cross the street alone, and they should know which trusted adults or older siblings (age 12+) can help them.
- Always cross at a corner or crosswalk and look left-right-left for moving cars.
- Stop, look, and listen — staying alert means using eyes and ears, not just one or the other.
- Watch for moving wheels, because even a quiet electric or hybrid car can be in motion.
- Wait for the “Walk” signal and check it yourself rather than following the crowd.
- Walk — don’t run — across the road, and keep looking left-right-left the entire time.
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb; if you can’t see their face, they can’t see you.
- And finally, always look both ways around school buses — both before boarding and after getting off. That last habit alone is one of the most effective ways to prevent pedestrian crashes.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Summer Program
Choosing a summer program involves a lot more than picking activities your child will enjoy. In New York State, licensed camps must meet specific safety and operational requirements — but not every summer program is legally classified as a “camp.” Regardless, every program your child attends should be able to answer basic safety questions clearly and confidently.
When evaluating programs:
- Ask about supervision ratios and whether they change during swimming or field trips.
- Ask how headcounts are done and who is responsible.
- Find out what background checks are required for staff and volunteers, whether CPR and first aid training is mandatory, and what the drop-off and pick-up procedure looks like.
- Ask how allergies are managed, how medications are stored and administered, and when the program contacts 911 versus parents.
- Ask about emergency drills, reunification plans, and how the facility controls entry.
- For programs with field trips, ask whether drivers are trained, seatbelts are enforced, and what happens if a child is separated from the group.
Two questions that reveal the most about any program’s safety culture: “Tell me about an injury that occurred — walk me through how it was handled.” And: “Who debriefs after an incident, and what has your program changed as a result?” A program that answers those questions with specifics, not generalities, is one that takes safety seriously.
You've Got This, Parents
Summer should be a time of fun, growth, and adventure for kids — and with a little preparation, it can be a safe one too. Whether you’re teaching your child to look left-right-left before crossing the street or sitting down with a camp director to ask the hard questions, these small steps make a real difference. At Lever & Ecker, PLLC, we’re proud to be a resource for Westchester families — not just when something goes wrong, but in helping prevent it in the first place. Have questions or concerns about a child injury matter? We’re here to help.
