By DEBRA MITCHELL

U.S. Postal Service

Fort Myers

With more children on the roads and sidewalks now that schools are closed for the summer, there’s a greater risk of motor vehicle accidents involving children. The U.S. Postal Service is encouraging everyone to be more alert for youngsters playing on streets, in parking lots, and even in their own driveways.

Here are some tips:

If there’s a ball rolling in the street, there’s likely to be a child following. Slow down and be prepared to stop quickly.

Pay attention to the lone child walking along the street. Drivers are more likely to overlook a single youngster than several together.

Be aware of children on roller skates, skateboards or roller blades who often burst onto streets from alleys or driveways.

Look out for bicyclists – especially young or new riders. Give them plenty of room.

Postal carriers are advised never to give mail to children from inside their vehicles. If children approach a vehicle, carriers are advised to get out and ask the children to move away. Before resuming delivery, carriers will double-check the entire area surrounding the vehicle.

Remember that children cannot judge speed or distance of vehicles moving toward them. They move quickly and can run into the street without warning. They don’t always follow safety rules and expect adults to watch out for them.

For more information about purchasing stamps, stamps by mail, postal regulations, a free subscription to USA Philatelic magazine, Post Office events, the location of the nearest postal store or contract unit, or for answers to your specific Postal Service questions, contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777, or visit www.usps.com. To schedule a presentation for your community, club or group on how the Postal Service brings the Post Office to your home or office computer, call 239-573-9638.