Foggy conditions, distracted walking, drivers’ blind spots.
They all were in the spotlight Thursday at lrving School in Derby as students learned vital lessons in pedestrian safety — just in time for Halloween.
The students walked holding wax paper over their eyes to simulate foggy conditions.
In another exercise they were taught the distance needed for a car to stop as they ran and stopped short when a whistle was blown.
The “Walk to School Safely Day” was sponsored by the Griffin Hospital Community Outreach and Valley Parish Nurses program, Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley, and FedEx.
Cathi Kellett, a Valley Parish Nurse and Safe Kids Greater Naugatuck Valley coordinator, was in charge of the event.
Valley Parish Nurse Cary Carpino assisted Kellett in the demonstration, along with several other adults.
Thursday morning’s inclement weather forced the event to be moved into the gym, except for tours of a FedEx delivery truck.
FedEx employees Ernest Cash, operations manager, and Kim Matalote, service assurance agent at a FedEx location in Stratford, helped students one by one onto the vehicle.
The children beeped the horn, checked the rear-view camera, and discovered a driver’s blind spot.
An orange traffic cone was placed in front of the vehicle, but it was so close it could not be seen from the driver’s seat.
Third grader Jayzair Barbera commented, “It was hard to see if you’re a little kid.”
Cash said FedEx drivers are urged “to avoid backing up.” The vehicle used for the demonstration was new, and included a camera attached to the back. “The safety features help us out,” Cash said.
Kellett said the children were given safety tips for trick or treating.
They learned that wearing make-up is preferable to wearing a mask, which can obstruct vision. Tjhey also were told to wear reflectors when they are walking on dark streets.
“Halloween is the most dangerous time of the year for pedestrians,” Kellett said.
