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As the school year kicks off, ensuring the safety of our children becomes a top priority. Whether your child is walking to school, riding a bike, taking the bus, being driven, or driving themselves, it’s essential to be aware of the potential hazards and take necessary precautions. At Denton, Zachary, and Norwood PLLC Law Firm, we specialize in car and semi-truck accidents and are committed to helping our community stay safe. Here are some crucial back-to-school safety tips to keep in mind.
Back-to-School Safety Tips for Drivers
Stay Alert in School Zones
School zones have reduced speed limits for a reason and are not just areas to drop off or pick up children. These zones demand heightened awareness. Drivers must slow down, stay alert, and watch for children crossing the street. Kids can be unpredictable, and they may not always look both ways before stepping onto the road and into the way of traffic. For this reason, drivers need to obey speed limits and be prepared to stop suddenly.
Obey Traffic Signals & Crossing Guards
Always follow the directions of crossing guards and obey all traffic signals. These rules are in place to protect everyone, especially young pedestrians who may not be fully aware of traffic dangers.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Put your phone away, keep your eyes on the road, and be mindful of your surroundings, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic. Once you eliminate all distractions, it makes it easier for your sole focus to be on the road.
Be Cautious Around School Buses
When a school bus stops, vehicles in both directions must stop. Children may cross the road to get on or off the bus, so always stop and wait for the bus driver to retract the stop sign. Buses are large vehicles even when stopped, so you should always be cautious around them.
Back-to-School Safety Tips for Parents & Students
Walking to School
Make sure your children stay on sidewalks and teach them how to use crosswalks. They should never dart out into the road. Teach them to look both ways before crossing and to make eye contact with drivers. Encourage them to walk in groups for added safety and establish safe walking routes. Have them wear reflective clothing during low-light conditions to improve drivers’ visibility. They must also be aware of their surroundings, stay alert, and focus on their destination, not their friends or their phones.
Riding a Bike
If riding a bike to school, your child must wear a properly fitted helmet every time. Review the rules of the road with them, such as riding on the right side of the street, using hand signals, and being cautious at intersections.
Taking the Bus
Teach your child to stand back from the curb while waiting for the bus and to utilize bus stop safety zones. These designated areas provide added protection for children waiting for the bus. Once on the bus, children should remain seated and wait for the bus driver’s signal before exiting the bus and crossing the street. Children need to learn to stay out of the bus’s blind spots and cross the street only when the bus stop sign is retracted.
Being Driven to School
Make sure to pack your car the night before or allow extra time in the morning so you aren’t rushing out the door. If you are late, do not speed or cut off traffic. That only leads to speeding tickets or causing an accident, which could be severe. This will only make your child later to school and you later to work. Always use appropriate car seats or seat belts. Ensure your child exits the vehicle on the sidewalk side, away from traffic.
Back-to-School Safety Tips for Teen Drivers
Limit Distractions, Follow Speed Limits & Practice Defensive Driving
Encourage teen drivers to limit the number of passengers and avoid using their phones while driving. Even a momentary distraction can lead to a severe accident. Remind your teens to adhere to speed limits, especially in school zones, and to drive cautiously in residential areas. Teach your teens to anticipate potential hazards and always be prepared to react quickly to avoid accidents.
Denton, Zachary & Norwood Wishes You a Safe School Year
At Denton, Zachary, and Norwood PLLC Law Firm, we understand that accidents can happen despite taking all precautions. If you or your child is involved in an accident, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help. We specialize in car and semi-truck accidents and are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact Denton, Zachary, and Norwood PLLC Law Firm
Back-to-school season is an exciting time, but it also requires heightened awareness and caution from everyone on the road. Following these safety tips can help protect our children and make our communities safer. Should you need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance and support. Please schedule a free consultation at one of our convenient locations in Little Rock, Conway, or Cordova. Stay safe, and have a great school year!