Back to School Safety Tips: Keeping Kids Safe on the Road
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New school year, same road risks.
Kids make their daily trips to class in different ways, but for parents, this season merits making safety a priority. Whether children are taking the bus, walking, or biking to reach their destinations, the importance of doing so cautiously remains clear:
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Given the information above, it’s clear why parents should teach their kids the ins and outs of getting to and from school safely. But how parents can do so might be less apparent. That’s why the team at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers wants to share the following safety tips and strategies, which cover walking, biking, and taking the bus as well.
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While school buses are certainly amongst the safest options for kids on their way to school, kids could be at risk when entering or exiting the vehicle, and accidents involving buses are always serious due to their weight and size.
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Parents must encourage kids to:
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- Wait at the curb, away from traffic, when waiting for the school bus.
- Look both ways to ensure it is safe to cross the street.
- Remain seated and avoid standing or playing while on the bus.
- Never exit the bus until it has come to a complete stop, and the driver has given permission.
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For kids who live closer to their school of choice, walking is an excellent option. That said, any student making daily pedestrian commutes should remember to:
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- Walk to school with a friend or group to feel safer and more secure.
- Use sidewalks and avoid walking in the street.
- Wear bright clothing and reflective materials to make themselves more visible to drivers.
- Crossing the street can be very dangerous for kids. Teach them to do so only at designated crosswalks or intersections.
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Unfortunately, Boston’s commitment to bike safety doesn’t ensure that an accident won’t take place. Standard bike safety measures apply to school commutes, so kids should:
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- Wear helmets to protect their heads in case of a bicycle accident.
- Obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.
- Ride their bikes single file and avoid riding side by side.
- Be aware of their surroundings and watch out for cars, trucks, and other vehicles.
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Ultimately, safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays a role in keeping our communities safe! We hope the information above helps to achieve that goal, but remember: when accidents happen, and answers are required, our team is here and ready to help.
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