Back To School Safety Tips

Summer is drawing to a close. This means your children are heading back to school for another fun year. Unfortunately, every new school year increases the risk of dangers, including car and pedestrian accidents. For instance, the CDC reports that one out of five kids under 15 who died in auto accidents were pedestrians. 

Fortunately, the back-to-school safety tips below can ensure you and your children stay safe this school year. 

Teach Children To Watch For Road Hazards

Keeping pedestrians and bike riders safe is possible with the simple tips below. Make sure your kids know these rules and practice them daily: 

• Stop, look, and listen at every intersection. 
• Put away anything that is a distraction, such as a cell phone. For example, don’t use earphones when walking or riding a bike to school. 
• Wear reflective gear and have functioning lights or blinkers on bikes. 
• Go over bicycle safety laws every year with your children. 

Also, consider carpooling to keep young children safe. However, if your child is old enough to drive, you should review driving safety tips at the start of every school year. Most importantly, cell phones should be shut off while the car is in motion. 

Bus Safety Tips

Many serious and fatal accidents involving children happen on and near school buses. Remind your child to arrive at their bus stop five minutes before it’s supposed to come. Also, tell them to: 

• Stay at least five steps from the curb as the bus approaches. 
• Always wait until the bus is at a complete stop and the driver tells you to board. 
• Then, sit facing forward on the bus. 
• Exit the bus after waiting for it to come to a complete stop. Look left-right-left when exiting and crossing the street. 

Bicycle Safety Tips

Do your kids ride a bike to school? This is an excellent way for them to get outdoors, exercise, and enjoy the fresh air. Keep them safe during the school year by reviewing these tips: 

• Wear an approved helmet that is appropriately fitted. Make sure the chin strap is fastened. 
• Ride the bike in the same direction as traffic. Follow all signals and traffic signs just as drivers do. 
• Use a bike lane whenever there is one. 
• Don’t use cell phones while on the bike. They’re distracting and make hearing difficult. 

Pedestrian Safety Tips

If your child walks to school or to the bus stop, these safety tips are critical: 

• Walk on the sidewalk if there is one. If not, walk on the road shoulder towards traffic. 
• When available, use a marked crosswalk when crossing the street. Look left, right, and left again for cars or bikes before you cross. 
• Be sure you don’t play around or shove others when walking near traffic. 
• All pedestrians should look at the sidewalk or road and not their phones. 

Injured? Contact Egenberg Trial Lawyers Today! 

The back-to-school safety tips above should keep your children safe this school year. If you are in an accident in New Orleans, you could face medical bills, lost earnings, and other expenses. Egenberg Trial Lawyers can help you get compensation for your losses and damages. Contact us today at (504) 229-2863.