Friday, October 28, 2011

Halloween Most Dangerous Night-Keep Kids Alive!

Kyle Foster, Age 10, died as a result of being hit while crossing the street in front of his home in Mesquite, TX on Halloween, 2003

Dear Friends,

Just a quick note to highlight a couple of facts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

-Halloween has the highest number of child pedestrian deaths. These typically occur on residential streets
-It also has the highest number of DUI-related crash 
fatalities

What can we do? Here are tips from the California Office for Traffic Safety

For tricker-treaters:

-Plan your route ahead of time on well-lit streets. Avoid busy streets.
-Choose a costume that makes it easier to walk, see and be seen. Light color costumes are best.
-Select costumes, masks, wigs or beards made of flame-retardant materials. Avoid flimsy, lightweight fabrics and costumes with billowing skirts or loose, baggy sleeves.
-A mask may keep kids from seeing well. Consider using makeup instead of a mask for added safety.
-It's best to trick-or-treat when it's still light outside, but a flashlight can help trick-or-treaters be seen.
-Use reflective tape on costumes.

For drivers:

-Avoid driving through residential areas where trick-or-treaters are likely to be present.
-Obey all traffic signs and signals. The risk of killing a pedestrian increases more than many people realize with just small increases in speed. A pedestrian is nearly twice as likely to be killed if he or she is hit by a car going 30 mph compared to if they're hit at 25 mph. 
-Watch for children walking on roadways, medians and curbs, and in dark costumes — they'll be harder to see at night. Also, be aware that trick-or-treaters may not be paying attention to traffic and may run out mid-block or between parked cars. Motorists should scan far ahead when driving in residential areas, watch for children and cautiously monitor their actions. Turn on your headlights to make yourself more visible — even in daylight.
-Plan ahead if you will be drinking. Designate a sober driver. If you are already out and have had too much to drink, call a taxi, friend or family to drive you home.
-Party hosts should have plenty of food on hand for everyone throughout the evening and several non-alcoholic drink choices for the designated drivers. 
-Don't allow anyone to leave if you have any doubts about their ability to drive.

Have a happy and safe Halloween.

To help keep kids alive all year long in your neighborhood, visit www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org.

"Don't let the 2 minutes you 'save' be the last 2 minutes of someone's life." Dave Townsend (Tia's Dad - Tia was hit and killed while walking in a marked cross-walk that also had a stop sign.)

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Make it a Happy Halloween and Keep Kids Alive!

Our friend Sal from Pleasanton, California sends this timely Halloween message.
Thanks Sal!

Get the "Keep Kids Alive" message out in your neighborhood this Halloween - visit KKAD25 Store. All proceeds support the mission of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25.



Reflect Your Desire to Keep Kids Alive

Kyle Foster, Age 10 – Died Halloween Night 2003 when hit while crossing the street.
All donations of $25.00 or more will receive Reflective Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 decals to pass out to trick-or-treaters – 2”X3” decals – 1 for each dollar donated while supply lasts. Donate today at KKAD25 Donate to receive decals by October 31st.
In addition, get the "Keep Kids Alive" message out in your neighborhood this Halloween - visit KKAD25 Store. All proceeds support the mission of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25.
 “Run 5 to Keep Kids Alive!”
Made many new friends the week of October 12-18 in California.  Participated in the run to "Honor Conor" - see Huge Turnout for Conor Lynch 5K Run/Walk. Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 is honored to partner with the Conor Lynch Foundation in promoting safe driving behaviors.
You Met the $1,000.00 Challenge!
Andrew “AJ” Brumback, Age 8, Westminster, CA – Died January 19th of this year when hit while riding his bike to school.
Thanks to all who helped meet the $1,000.00 Challenge Grant made by an anonymous donor. Donations made in memory of Andrew “A.J” Brumback and Aaron Brock put us over the top.
Consider a year-end gift in the name of a loved one. On-line visit KKAD25 Donate.
By mail:
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
12418 C Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Need reasons to give? Visit KKAD25 Testimonials

Remember, "It's About Kids! It's About Safety! It's About Caring! It's About Time!"

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Remember You Are Loved

Who Do You Love? Who Loves You?


Exits and entries; we make dozens of these each day. What we say to those we care for can make all the difference when they leave home, are dropped off for school or work, and again when they return home. 


Many of these exits involve leaving home, school, or other location by motor vehicle. Each exit is an invitation to simply let those we care for know they are loved. A simple way to do so is to say, "Remember you are loved," each time a loved one parts our company. These words may make all the difference. Try it today, tomorrow, and every day.


And remember to reflect that love in word and action when those we care for return home. This truly allows them to know they are loved the next time they hear the words, "Remember you are loved."


Tom
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25
www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org


PS - for information on presentations to help parents make the most of exits and entries, visit Tom Everson Support Services - for schools, faith communities, youth/family serving organizations, and businesses providing family support resources for employees.