3 Safety Tips For Your Child’s Commute
Whether your children walks, bikes, or take the school bus, it’s always a good idea to review their commute with them to make sure they’re both following the rules of the road and staying safe on their way to school. The responsibility of keeping our kids safe is a group effort that includes parents, teachers, schools, and property owners. Help keep the school commute safe with some of these tips.
Getting to School
Whether your child is walking, biking or taking the bus, there are many safety precautions to consider. Cycling accidents, for example, tend to occur on the way home when both children and adult drivers are tired and ready to relax. One way to prepare is to ask your child about the path they take on the way home from school and go over any roads, stoplights, or other traffic signals that he or she need to pay attention toyou’re your child is younger, consider biking or walking the route with him or her to help them get familiar with the steps to take, and what to watch out for.
Helmet Safety
We all know that children should be wearing helmets, but as young teens move up into grade 7, 8, and 9, sometimes they stop listening to the safety rules and need a reminder. Lay down some ground rules. What are the consequences if you find out they weren’t wearing a helmet? Make sure they know what the repercussions are and that they take helmets seriously, even if their friends don’t!
Parking Lot Safety
We all look out for the school bus traffic arm that pops out when children are about to walk across the road, but what about near schools? Lots of accidents occur during the period when both buses and cars are driving up for pickup. Children can dash between buses, and stray from the crowd. If you live near a school zone, or pick up your child at the end of each day, be wary of any hidden corners or areas out of view.
It’s important to note that even if the injured child darted onto the road, or disobeyed traffic laws, it is usually ultimately the driver who is held responsible for an accident. So it’s really important to stay alert, and expect bikers and children on your commute.
If you have a question about an accident your child was in, or would like more information on the claims process. Call the Auger Hollingsworth offices at 613-233-4529 to book a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers.
