Now that summer is officially here and school is out, motorists are reminded to keep an eye out for children playing.

According to ICBC, on average, 153 child pedestrians are injured in crashes each year in British Columbia. Road safety is not usually top of mind for children, so ICBC is encouraging drivers to pay extra attention when driving around playgrounds and in residential areas.

With more children playing outside, drivers should slow down and anticipate the unexpected. Keeping an eye out for cyclists on the road is also a good idea, as more children will be riding bicycles at this time of the year. Cyclist injuries from crashes with vehicles peak in July and August.

Parents should go over the rules of the road with their children and remind them about road safety. By setting a good example for their children, they will encourage safe behaviour. ICBC is reminding parents not to jaywalk and to avoid shortcuts through parking lots or around parked cars.

In the southern interior, on average 17 child pedestrians are injured in crashes each and every year.