Expect To See More Kids Walking To School Wednesday In Temecula

TEMECULA, CA — The Southwest Sheriff's Station is encouraging Southwest Riverside County parents and students to join the national "Walk to School Day" on Oct. 6.

Walk to School Day is celebrated annually to highlight the benefits of exercise and practice pedestrian and road safety with classmates, families and caregivers.

“Walking to school is a great way to not only stay active, but also practice safe walking behaviors,” Riverside Sheriff-Southwest Station Captain Zachary Hall said. “With many students returning to in-person instruction this year, Walk to School Day is a valuable learning tool that benefits students at the start of the school year.”

Southwest Station deputies patrol the city of Temecula and nearby unincorporated areas.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department offers the following tips for children to incorporate into their walks:

• Be predictable, use crosswalks
• Walk on sidewalks, when available
• Always look left-right-left before crossing the street and make sure the driver sees you
• Continue to scan for traffic as you cross the street
• Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle
• Watch for cars entering/backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces

Drivers across the county should be alert for more people walking to school Wednesday morning and be prepared to stop for children crossing the street. Drivers should always watch their speed and slow down in school zones, Hall said.

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org as a way of tracking participation and showing support for active, healthy, and safe transportation.