PHOENIX — Earlier this month, the city of Phoenix approved $2 million in spending specifically geared toward pedestrian safety improvements.
A part of that funding is $75,000 for community education and engagement. It seems the city is starting small with a children's book to educate students.
"Can you raise your hand if you walk to school," asked Mayor Kate Gallego to a cafeteria full of young students at Lowell Elementary School in Phoenix.
Nearly every little hand went up.
That is one of the reasons why the city of Phoenix picked these students to get the “Heads Up! Pedestrian Safety Activity Book” first.
"We believe that if you're crossing in the crosswalk in third grade, you're going to be crossing in the crosswalk when you're 30," said Mayor Gallego.
She told ABC15, the city worked with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to create the book that includes puzzles, games, and fill-in-the-blank tasks to educate students about how to safely cross the street.
They hope that these students can then become role models in their community, even to their parents too.
"I always know that when my son is reminding me to do something of good behavior, that is a powerful incentive to do it," said Mayor Gallego.
Lowell Elementary School Principal Tyson Kelly believes his school is a great place for the program to start, as many students have to pass the busy Buckeye Road each day to get to the classroom.
"I want to see their faces every morning. I want to see them here, smiling, happy," said Principal Kelly. "By having them safely come to school every day, we're able to give them the education that they deserve."
If you want to download the activity book for your child, click here.
Have a road issue or question for Operation Safe Roads? You can give us a call at (833) AZROADS or email roads@abc15.com.