As the summer school break nears its end, children gear up for their return to the classroom. Parents need to get ready, too, and part of that preparation includes making sure their children are safe. Safety starts before a child even leaves the house in the morning, and parents can instill good habits in their children, starting at a very young age.
No matter how a child gets to and from school or where they go to school, there are ways parents can help keep them safe and free from harm. New parents as well as parents with several school-aged children can always learn new tips to help keep their children safe during the school year. The following tips can help guide parents and their child as they head back to school, avoiding accidents and personal injury.
Getting to and from School Safely
Many youngsters walk or ride their bikes to school. Other children ride buses or have parents take them. No matter what form of transportation a child uses, however, dangers exist. By taking proactive steps, both children and parents can stay safe.
Walking. Walking to and from school is great exercise for children. Depending on the weather and how far a child needs to walk, there can be some dangers.
Parents should make sure that children:
- Walk in groups, when possible.
- Always walk on the sidewalk.
- Always cross the street at crosswalks after looking both ways.
- Keep their phones with them but in their pocket so they are focused.
One of the best things a parent can do is to walk the route with their child before school starts. A parent can point out potential hazards and show the child where it is safest to cross streets.
Biking. For some children, biking is a better option to get to and from school. Riding a bicycle also has potential dangers, so parents should make sure that children:
- Ride in bike lanes, where they exist.
- Ride single file if riding with others.
- Put their phones away.
- Wear bright clothing and protective equipment, especially a well-fitting helmet.
Just like walking, parents should bike with their child to and from school before school starts. This will show their child where it is safe to ride, where to cross busy streets, and what to do in the event of an incident.
Riding a bus. Many school districts provide a busing option for students to take to and from school. Trained drivers operate school buses, but the bus itself often lacks safety features such as seat belts.
Parents should make sure that children:
- Wait for the bus at the designated location.
- Do not approach the bus until it makes a complete stop.
- Know how to cross in front of the bus, if necessary.
Children may also need help to get on and off the bus, especially smaller children. Standing with a child can help ease their tension and concern about riding the bus to school.
Parents driving children. Many parents choose to take their children to school. It gives them extra time with their child, and it may be convenient for them to drop their child off on their way to work.
In this case, parents must make sure that their child is properly secured either in a child safety seat or in a regular seat before taking off. Parents should also obey all traffic laws and stay alert. Not only could this help prevent accidents, but also it can set a good example for their child when they drive themselves.
Teens driving to school. Teen drivers often get into car accidents because they are inexperienced drivers. Parents can help combat this by instilling good driving techniques in their child and driving with them frequently.
A parent may also want to have their child drive to and from school before classes resume. This way, the parent can see how the child drives and what route they take, giving the parent the chance to correct some bad driving habits or suggest an alternative route.
Staying Safe at School
Getting to and from school safely is important. But so is staying safe while children are at school. Proactive steps can help reduce the likelihood of a child getting injured while at school.
Clothing and backpacks. Some schools require a uniform, whereas others do not. Either way, a child’s clothing should fit well, giving them the ability to move, especially for younger children who will play on the playground in their clothes.
Backpacks should also be well fitting and secure. They should also be appropriate for the child’s size and not overstuffed. A backpack that is too heavy can cause back injuries.
Sports and playgrounds. When a child goes to recess, parents should encourage them to remove baggy clothing and jewelry. These items can easily get caught on playground equipment and could cause strangulation.
Similarly, when children participate in sports, they get injured. Bumps and bruises are common, but if a child suffers a head injury, the parents should immediately take their child to see a doctor. Head injuries can cause life-altering conditions and require prompt medical care and attention.
Towson Personal Injury Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC, Help Accident Victims and Their Families
Going back to school can be an exciting time for both parents and children. But it can also be a time of anxiety for parents as they try to keep their children safe. If your child has suffered injuries through no fault of their own, you may be able to collect compensation from the negligent party. Get the help and support you deserve by reaching out to the Towson personal injury lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC. For more information and a free consultation, complete our online form or call us at 443-589-0150. Located in Hunt Valley and Towson, Maryland, we serve clients throughout Baltimore, Baltimore County, Bel Air, Bentley Springs, Columbia, Freeland, Hereford, Hampton, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks Glencoe, Parkton, Phoenix, Pikesville, White Hall, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County.
