Methodist Health System is wanting to make the trip to school safer for North Texas children -- and keep them out of emergency rooms.
To help make kids more visible to drivers Methodist Health System is offering North Texas residents the chance to get safety lights that can clip on a back-pack, bike or clothing.
Whether it's a trip around the neighborhood, or walking to school, close calls can happen day or night.
"We try to stay on the sidewalks, but when people are texting and driving or on their phones and driving they don't really see us crossing the driveways," said Grand Prairie resident Richard Vandella said. "One time we almost had an accident the person was pulling into their driveway and we barely stopped in time."
Drivers will need to stop more for students as school starts. And while the sun will, likely, be shining at the bus stop or for the walk to school this week, before long the early morning walks will become darker and potentially more dangerous.
"It's going to be darker as they get off the bus, so that's what the point is with this campaign, is to make our kiddos visible," said Dr. Keto Trivedi, emergency director at Mansfield Methodist. "This is just a way to make your kids stand out and say 'hey, I'm here, be careful," Trivedi said.
The Menifee family is one of the first in the area to order the safety lights, for free, and plan to put them to use immediately.
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"I thought that having these reflectors, the safety lights, will enable people that are driving to see our kids when we're walking or riding their bikes," Vandella said.
A small clip on light that could mean a world of difference between a trip around the block and a trip to the hospital.
"Going an extra mile, going an extra step, can save a trip to the emergency department," Trivedi said.
For more on how to order the free safety lights, visit Methodist Health System's website here.
