Back to school is a busy time for everyone involved, from the parents rushing to get their children to the bus on time to eager students running to and from different classrooms. It is easy to get overwhelmed when schedules pick back up, and in all the hustle and bustle, accidents can happen. It only takes a split second for someone’s life to change forever, whether it is at the hands of a driver who is not paying attention or a child’s classmate who is playing too roughly.
While many parents are well-versed in handling accidents when and if they happen, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By going over safety rules and covering some basic traffic and road etiquette, parents can better prepare their children for the back-to-school season and help ensure that they avoid any serious accidents.
Review Traffic Rules With Children
Whether your student walks to the bus stop, rides a bicycle, or is dropped off directly at school, it is of utmost importance to review all traffic safety rules at the start of the school year. For many children, it will have been months since they last attended school, and with many students spending much of their summer breaks indoors, a refresher on the rules of the road will benefit everyone involved. Cover road safety with your children, discussing the importance of basic traffic safety such as looking both ways before crossing the street and using crosswalks.
Discuss distracted driving with your student and explain that many drivers might not be paying attention when the student is near the road or crossing. They should avoid using their cell phones and always pay attention to their surroundings.
Check Students’ Backpacks
It is a surprising fact that most school accidents are preventable, according to the National Safety Council. Many of these injuries are caused by something that most students carry every day. Backpacks are an essential part of the school day for most students, carrying their supplies, lunches, or extra clothes. However, backpacks can also cause injuries, especially if they are too heavy or improperly fitted.
Your student should use both straps on their backpack, ensuring that the weight is evenly distributed on their shoulders. Backpacks should never be overstuffed or weigh your child down. In fact, the backpack should weigh no more than 5% to 10% of a student’s overall body weight. Rolling backpacks can present a safety issue as well. If your student has a rolling backpack, talk to them about proper etiquette in crowded spaces and encourage them to pay attention to others in the same space.
Go Over School Bus Safety Rules
Getting on and off the school bus can present a safety hazard as well. At the start of the school year, sit your student down and discuss how to safely enter and exit a bus and how to behave while on the bus to minimize potential safety concerns.
In general, children should always stay six feet away from the curb when preparing to board the school bus. They should patiently wait for the bus door to open and for the driver to come to a full stop before attempting to enter the bus. They should also not rush to retrieve anything that falls in the road, such as a phone or a gadget. Rather, they should let the bus driver know that they dropped something and then ask the driver for help. Students should never walk around the bus or go anywhere the driver cannot easily see them. These blind spots represent a significant hazard.
Basic Bicycle Safety
Many students opt to bike to and from school each day. While bicycling is fantastic exercise for students, it can also present some unique safety risks. If your student is one of these cycling aficionados, take time to review bicycle safety guidelines. Your student should know the safest route to and from school, ideally one that is not on a very high-traffic road. The fewer distractions, the better, even if your student is an expert cyclist.
It is also important to pay attention to the bike itself. Early in the school year, thoroughly inspect the bike, check for any potential issues, and look at the bike’s tire pressure, chains, and brakes. Make sure that your child still fits on the bike. Many students return to school after a lengthy summer break only to find that their bike is now too small for them. Finally, wearing the right clothes on a bike can help prevent an accident. Your student should always wear a helmet, even if they protest or complain that a helmet is too uncomfortable. They should wear bright, reflective clothing and avoid wearing anything that could interfere with the steering and navigation of the bike.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., for Personal Injury and Accident Assistance
Back-to-school safety is an important topic for everyone, regardless of their child’s age or grade level. By reviewing basic safety rules and encouraging your student to pay attention to their surroundings, they will have a better chance of staying accident-free at school and on the way home.
If you are in Pennsylvania and you find yourself in need of a caring attorney, reach out to the law firm of Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. Our seasoned attorneys are prepared to help you address any personal injury issue you might have. We will fight for your rights and give you the legal representation you deserve. Reach out to us by completing our contact form or give us a call at (215) 822-7575.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
December 17, 2024
