Back-to-school season is full swing, and that means there is more early morning traffic for those headed off to work each day. Knowing this, and the risk it poses to their children can give parents an extra dose of anxiety. Thankfully, there are ways that parents can protect their children from bus accidents, car accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents during the school months. The following covers some of the basics, and it provides details on where parents can find assistance if an accident does occur.
Back-to-School Bus Safety
Although accidents on school buses are relatively rare, children have an elevated risk of injury when they must cross in front of the bus. This is because, unfortunately, not all cars abide by the law (which is to stop when the bus signals them to do so). To protect your children, teach them to only cross in front of the bus when necessary. They should walk at least ten steps in front of the driver – or only when they can see the bus driver in their seat. Furthermore, children should never pass behind the bus because they are not offered any sort of protection.
Back-to-School Bicycle Safety
Children who ride to school should never do so without a helmet. Furthermore, they are encouraged to always take the same route – preferably one that has been planned by you in advance (avoid having them cross intersections as much as possible). It is also advised that parents refresh their children on basic bicycle safety (stopping at stop signs, riding with traffic instead of against it, riding in a bike lane when available, etc.).
Back-to-School Pedestrian Safety
Although walking is a wonderful way to ensure your child receives exercise during the day, it can be extremely dangerous for young children to walk to school alone. As such, small children should be accompanied by an adult on their way to school. Older children should always travel the same route and should avoid intersections as much as possible. You may also wish to refresh your child on the importance of alertness as a pedestrian (i.e. not using their cell phone while walking).
Back-to-School Driving Safety
Teen drivers have an overall higher rate of experiencing an accident. To help mitigate against it, parents are encouraged to enforce and encourage safe driving behaviors. Examples include never using a cell phone behind the wheel, not driving with extra passengers in the vehicle, following all traffic signals, and watching out for buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians while on the way to school. Parents can increase their awareness on their child’s driving behavior with a phone app or a device that plugs into the teen’s vehicle.
If an Accident Does Occur
No matter how hard you try, you cannot protect your child from every adverse event. Should an accident happen to them, it is crucial that you seek experienced legal counsel. Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. can protect your rights and assist with the claims process. Schedule a personalized consultation with our Green Bay traffic accident lawyers to learn more. Call 920-739-7366 today.
Sources:
https://www.safercar.gov/parents/onthemove/BikeTip.htm
https://www.safercar.gov/parents/onthemove/SchoolBuses.htm
https://www.safercar.gov/parents/onthemove/bicycle.htm
https://www.safercar.gov/parents/onthemove/walking.htm
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/teen-driving.aspx