The back-to-school season brings excitement for the new school year, but it also brings increased risks for children, as busier streets and distracted routines frequently lead to more accidents while children are on their way to or from school. Studies show predictable spikes in the number of child pedestrian accidents between August and September, for example (a 165-percent increase)–with most accidents occurring during commuter hours. For middle schoolers bicycling to school, the spike in injuries is 168 percent between July and September.

That said, by educating children on taking the proper precautions, you can help your child stay safer as they head back to school, whether they’re traveling by foot, by bike, or by school bus. Here’s what you need to know.

 

Walking to School

Kids walking to school can be at risk, especially when crossing streets with no crossing guard or with drivers who ignore the speed zones. Here’s how kids can be safer:

• Use sidewalks whenever possible. If no sidewalk is available, teach your child to walk facing oncoming traffic.
• Cross streets safely. Use crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the road. (Use crossings manned with crossing guards whenever possible.)
• Follow pedestrian signals. Stress the importance of crossing only when signals indicate it’s safe.
• Avoid distractions. Discourage phones, headphones, or other distractions while walking near traffic.

 

Biking to School

Biking to school is fun, but it’s essential to follow these tips to reduce risks:

• Wear a helmet. Ensure your child wears a properly fitted helmet every time they ride.
• Stick to bike lanes. Encourage sticking to designated bike paths or safe routes identified for cycling.
• Be visible. Equip bikes with lights or reflectors, and have your child wear bright-colored clothing.
• Obey traffic laws. Teach them to ride on the right side of the road and to stop at all stop signs and signals.

 

School Bus Safety

While school buses are statistically among the safest forms of transportation, children must still be careful:

• Wait safely. Children should stay six feet from the curb while waiting, forming a single-file line as the bus approaches.
• Board safely. Teach your child to wait until the bus stops completely before boarding safely.
• Stay seated. Remind them to stay seated and keep aisles clear during the ride.
• Be cautious when exiting, especially when crossing streets. When leaving, teach your kids to think “10 feet forward before crossing” to ensure the driver can see them. Use extra caution when crossing streets in front of school buses, especially if drivers ignore the bus signals.

 

Even with precautions, accidents can happen. If your child is injured in a back-to-school accident, our personal injury attorneys are here to help. Contact us to explore your legal options and secure the justice your family deserves.