As summer comes to an end and children start heading back to school, family life can get hectic. It’s important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.
Transportation
Whether your child rides a bike, walks or takes the bus to school, there are some tips to help make sure your child arrives safely at school.
- Walking to school – Take the sidewalk if one is available and walk facing the traffic. Make sure to look both ways a couple of times before crossing the street, and if you can, make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Avoid distracted walking; stay alert.
- Riding a bike – Ride on the right side of the road with traffic in single file. Make sure to come to a stop before crossing the street and, if needed, walk your bike across the street or intersection. Make sure to wear a helmet and bright-colored clothing.
- Taking the bus – Take a moment to walk to and from the bus stop with your children and talk about how to get on and off the bus. Have your child stand six feet or three giant steps away from the curb. If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, make sure to discuss walking far enough in front of the bus so the driver can see them and to look before crossing the street.
- Driving your child or carpooling – Watch for other children; look for buses that are picking up and dropping off children. Never pass a bus, and stop far enough back to allow children to exit safely. Obey speed limits. Make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt. Avoid distracted driving.
- Teen drivers – Talk with them about distracted driving and set expectations with them on safe driving.
While at school
Many school-related injuries are preventable. Take a moment to discuss with your child some safety areas at school. Here are some reminders for the upcoming school year:
- Backpacks – Talk about the right way to wear a backpack – wearing both straps helps to distribute the weight on their shoulders. Don’t overfill a backpack.
- Playgrounds and Sports – Discuss with your children about looking at their surroundings while playing and being cautious while playing on playground equipment.
- Contact Information – Don’t forget to update contact records at school and to write down important numbers for yourself as well.
- Weather and News – Make sure to keep an eye and ear out for incidents that could cause school closures or early dismissals.
For other resources:
- https://blog.americansafetycouncil.com/essential-tips-for-back-to-school-safety/
- https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home
- https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe