Between 2007 to 2016, 281 children have been killed going to or from school, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. As students head back for another school year, it is important that parents and their children learn to practice the following safety tips when traveling to and from school. There are several steps students can take regardless of their mode of transportation to stay safe this school year. If your child was injured in an accident heading to or from school, the skilled Cincinnati car accident attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help. We can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your child’s accident and determine the legal options that might be available during a free consultation.
Driving And Sharing The Road
Many parents drive their children to and from school every day. However, there are certain safety concerns, especially when sharing the road with inexperienced teen drivers. Some key tips to follow this school year include:- Make sure there is a safe driver behind the wheel
- Make sure all passengers buckle up
- Avoid distractions
- Slow down in school zones
- Do not pass vehicles stopped for pedestrians
- Always obey all traffic laws and be on the lookout for school zone signals
- Watch for school crossing guards and obey their signals
- Completely stop for school buses if the flashing lights are on and the stop sign is activated
- Avoid passing other cars or changing lanes when driving in a school zone
- Do not make any U-turns when driving in a school zone
- Look out for children near the school, at the bus stop, on the sidewalk, in the street, or in the school parking lot
Taking The Bus
School buses are considered one of the safest ways to get to and from school. However, there are still accidents involving buses. It is important for your child to know how to safely board and leave the bus, because those are the times when accidents are most likely to occur. Teach your child the following safety rules:- Stay five steps away from the curb when loading or unloading from the bus
- Avoid horseplay at the bus stop
- Wait for the bus driver to tell you it is time to board
- Get to the bus stop early so that you are not in a hurry and forget safety rules
- Look both ways when getting off the bus to check for other cars
- Avoid crossing the street in front of the bus, if possible
Walking To School
Many children who live nearby their school choose to walk to school. However, walking to school can be dangerous if your child is not prepared for potential hazards. Consider teaching these tips to get them to and from school safely:- Avoid distractions like texting or listening to music while walking
- Walk on the sidewalk if one is available
- Do not dart in front of a parked car
- Cross only at marked crosswalks or corners
- When crossing the street, look left, then right, then left again before crossing
- Avoid shortcuts and use the same route to school each day
- Walk with others as there is often greater safety in numbers
- Obey all traffic and pedestrian signals
Riding Your Bike
Biking is a healthy way to get more exercise as well as an effective mode of transportation. Keep your child safe by teaching them how to safely ride their bike to and from school. Make sure your child does the following on each trip:- Wears a helmet
- Uses bike lanes when available
- Always stays on the right-hand side of the road and rides in the same direction as traffic
- Avoids distractions like using electronics
