Is that a collective sigh of relief we’re hearing? It could be the sound of parents sending their kids back to school. We love them, but by the end of a long summer, most of us are ready for back-to-school season. In addition to school supplies and the latest sneakers, safety should be on the top of everyone’s back-to-school list.
School days are busy – buses are picking up and dropping off their passengers, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school on time, parents are navigating the drop off area, and students are crowding to get inside before the bell rings. All this traffic means drivers need to slow down and pay attention to their surroundings to avoid accidents.
The National Safety Council offers the following tips:
If You’re Dropping Off
- Follow the specific drop-off procedures for the school.
- Don’t double park – it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
- Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.
- Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
If Students are Taking the Bus
According to the National Safety Council, most of the children who lose their lives in bus-related accidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they are walking. Sadly, they are either hit by the bus or by a driver illegally passing a stopped bus. Be sure to take precautions to keep kids safe!
- Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you and may put them in the path of moving traffic.
- In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
- Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
- Slow down in school zones and take extra time to look for children crossing the street.
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
When Sharing the Road with School Buses
If you’re driving behind a bus, allow more distance than you would when driving behind a car. This extra distance will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. Remember, it’s illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload passengers.
- Never pass a bus from behind or from either direction if it is stopped to load or unload children.
- If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Be sure to stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
- Be alert. Children tend to ignore hazards and run across the street to join friends or get home.
If You Have Young Children Going to School for the First Time
Parents should take the time to teach their children some basic safety guidelines. The American Red Cross offers this checklist to help keep your little ones safe:
- Make sure children know their phone number, address and how to reach their parents or another trusted adult, and how to dial 911.
- Remind them not to talk to strangers or accept rides from someone they don’t know.
- Teach them to …
- Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, they should walk facing traffic on the road.
- Stop and look left, right and left again before crossing a street.
- Cross the street at the corner or crosswalk, while obeying traffic signals.
- Never run out between parked cars.
- Stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
- Only board the bus after it has come to a complete stop and the driver has instructed them to board.
- Stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
This time of year can be exciting and busy for both children and their parents. By using a little extra caution and following the rules of the road, we can all help ensure that it’s also a safe and enjoyable experience. Have a great school year!
The Unexpected Legal Experience
With all the extra traffic on the road this time of year, adults also need to be cautious! If you or your child is injured in a car, bicycle, or motorcycle accident, or struck by a vehicle while walking, The Disability Guys are here to help you defend your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve. Our personal injury attorneys will handle your claim while being courteous, patient, and supportive every step of the way. Call us for a free consultation at 877-958-8128.