It seems like the “Back to School Sale” ads have been running since before school actually let out for the summer, but now it really is time to go back. This is a time of year that presents new safety challenges, so here’s a look at how you can help keep our kids safe.
Whether you have children or not, it’s time to put away the phone and pay attention while you’re driving. There are more pedestrians than in the summer, buses stopping in traffic, and other back-to-school hazards. Slow down and keep your eyes on the road … a single distracted moment can have tragic results.
For those who do have students returning to school, some safety advice:
If your child is walking or biking to school, walk or ride the route with them ahead of time. Remind them to stay on the sidewalk if there is one, and if not, to walk facing oncoming traffic or ride in the same direction as traffic. Point out the spots where they especially need to pay attention, like crossing streets, and make sure you’re confident they can get there safely. If they have a phone, remind them to keep it put away and pay attention to their surroundings.
If he or she rides a bus, visit the bus stop ahead of time. Teach them to stand three big steps (about six feet) away from the curb as the bus approaches. And if they must cross in front of a stopped bus, show them how to do that at least 10 feet in front of the bus. Your child and the driver should always be able to see each other.
If you’re driving children to school, you’ll obviously want to follow the advice above about staying focused. Pay particular attention to school zone speed limits and buses loading and unloading. Stay well back from a stopped school bus; the area within 10 feet of a bus is most dangerous for kids.
And of course there are hazards not related to transportation. This is a good time to teach or reinforce the principles of stranger danger, including a list of who will (and will not) pick them up from school. They will be with many other kids in enclosed spaces where various maladies can spread rapidly, so remind them of the importance of frequent hand washing.
Finally, make sure your child knows who they should call in the event of a school emergency or illness, and who to call if that person isn’t immediately available.
We can’t do anything about the moaning you’re likely to hear when they come home with their first pile of homework, but a few simple precautions like these can help them have a safe start to the new school year.
Questions about these or other safety issues? Contact Heart to Beat.
