Giving kids a chance to learn the rules of the road

More than 100 children participated in a traffic safety course at National Night Out in Clarkston, where they learned essential rules for biking and walking. The initiative, funded by a $25,000 grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, aims to reduce pedestrian and cyclist accidents in the area. Volunteer Jan Goodheart explained that early education fosters safer future drivers, as studies indicate. Participants practiced critical skills, including hand signals, proper helmet use, and how to navigate roundabouts. Parents were present to reinforce these lessons, enhancing the program's impact on children’s safety awareness.

The mobile traffic garden has also been featured at local schools, reaching approximately 100 additional children. Goodheart’s team plans to raise $250,000 for a permanent traffic garden to further promote safe transit practices. They have already applied for multiple grants and received donations to support this goal.