Back-to-School Safety

With the summer season quickly ending, thousands of children will soon be heading back to school. Unfortunately, accidents involving school buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists are on the rise, so the risks for kids heading back to school are sure to increase.

Parents are urged to teach their children the safety precautions that can help keep them safe on the way to and from school and while in school. Below is a list of safety suggestions issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the American Red Cross that can help keep your children safe this school year.

School Bus Safety

• Always stay on the sidewalk and clear of the curb when waiting for the bus.

• Remain on the sidewalk until the bus has come to a complete stop and the driver has given the signal to board.

• Face forward in your seat and use the safety belts provided.

• Remain seated for the entire ride, and do not get up to disembark until the bus has come to a complete stop and the exit doors have been opened.

• Always cross in front of the bus in clear view of the driver.

• Look both ways before crossing the street, even when the bus lights are flashing.

Walking to School

• Always walk on the sidewalk when possible.

• If sidewalks are not present, walk on the edge of the street facing oncoming traffic.

• Utilize crosswalks and intersections with crossing guards whenever possible and obey traffic signals.

• Do not text, talk on the phone, or fool around with friends while walking. Always keep focused on the road.

Biking to School

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike.

• Obey traffic signals and stop signs, and ride along the sidewalk or roadway facing oncoming traffic.

• Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.

• Secure backpacks and keep them away from chains, wheels, and foot pedals.

• Never text, use a cell phone, or have earphones in while riding.

Driving to School

• Children should be in proper seating restraints and wear their seat belt at all times.

• Children under the age of 13 should be riding in the back seat of the vehicle.

• Do not eat or drink while the car is in motion.

• Never text, talk on the phone, or use onboard infotainment systems while driving.

• Ensure that teenage drivers obey the laws regarding the number of passengers allowed in the car and for using a cell phone while driving.

• Impose rules for teenage drivers by clearly stating and enforcing consequences for irresponsible driving.

• Always obey local speed limits and traffic signs and signals.

Playground Safety

• Obey school rules for playground safety.

• Only climb or jump in designated areas.

• Wait patiently in line to access equipment.

• Never push, trip, or shove another person.

• Report broken equipment or sharp objects on the playground to an adult in charge.

New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Advocate for School Safety

If your child has been involved in an accident, the New Jersey personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr can help you claim the compensation you may be entitled to receive. Call us at 732-537-8570 or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. With an office centrally located in Highland Park, New Jersey, we proudly serve clients throughout the state.