Preschoolers Learn An Important Lesson In Traffic Safety

Thursday, June 14th 2007, 3:24 pm

By: News On 6

A ruined soccer ball provided a group of preschoolers a terrific lesson in traffic safety Thursday. The teaching point: don't run into the street to retrieve an errant kick. The News On 6â€™s Rick Wells reports this safety lesson came complete with hugs, suckers and a brand new soccer ball.

Some 5-year-olds at the St. John Child Learning Center are getting a little reinforcement of a traffic safety lesson they learned last week. Here's what happened. Garrett Casey brought his brand new soccer ball to school to share. He promptly kicked it over the fence and into the street, where it was hit by a passing ambulance.

The EMSA Paramedics Vicki Walker and Rebecca Williams were upset about the ball and concerned about who kicked it.

"We were afraid that a kid might be coming after the ball," said Williams.

They went back to the daycare to apologize for hitting the ball, and saw how upset the kids were, particularly Garrett Casey.

â€œHe was devastated," said Garrett Casey's mother Ashlie Casey.

Ashlie Casey said he cried all the way home, even slept with the busted ball that night. The paramedics, both moms themselves, thought they could do more, so they went back to see Garrett Casey and his friends, this time with a brand new soccer ball.

The kids had put together a picture book of thank you notes. Walker and Williams autographed his new ball, and they even got a few kicks in. None went over the fence, and they reinforced the safety lesson.

"If something goes in the street wait for your parents to get it for you,â€ Williams said.

According to EMSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most kids who are hit by cars arenâ€™t in intersections. Children running into the street following other kids or pets or balls are at the greatest risk.

Watch the video: EMSA Paramedics Share Traffic Safety Information With Some Preschoolers

For traffic safety tips for toddlers and preschoolers, click here.

Click here for traffic safety tips for elementary aged children.