Back to School Safety is a Community Effort

It is back to school time for kids in Texas and around the country and this means even more traffic and increased risk of injury for children going to and coming from school.

With children going to school and adults heading to work at the same time, the morning is often a dangerous time for children.  The same goes for the afternoons.  Drivers and children must be extra cautious during the school year and be alert at all times.
Take these back to school safety tips into account when driving during the school year:

• Slow down and watch for children walking in the street, especially in neighborhoods without sidewalks.
• Always stop for pedestrians and crosswalks.
• While it's always dangerous to use your cell phone while driving, it's even more dangerous (and against the law) to use it in school zones. Stay off of it!
• Always use caution around buses and NEVER pass a bus when its lights are flashing (it's against the law).
• Always assume children do not see you and drive accordingly.  Just because you see a kid, doesn't mean they do, nor does it mean that they will act responsibly.  Always assume children may dart into the street.
• Be extra careful in the mornings and afternoons - these times of day are busiest and the most dangerous.
• Plan ahead for increased traffic and longer wait times.  By leaving early and being prepared, you will be less likely to become impatient or drive aggressively.

Follow these rules this school year and be sure to keep an eye out at all times.  Although cautious driving is your responsibility, all of the responsibility for traffic safety during the school year doesn't fall only on the driver.  Children should be educated about bus and traffic safety and taught how to look avoid danger.
Be sure to discuss the following safety tips from our personal injury lawyers with your child:

• Always use proper crosswalks and look both ways when crossing the street.
• Be sure the bus driver can see you at all times when entering and exiting the bus.  Never cross in front of the bus unless the driver instructs you to do so.
• Make sure they understand that drivers can't always see them so they should never run into or across the street.
• Teach your children to follow all traffic signals and signs whether they are walking or riding a bike.
• Discuss a walking route to and from the school or bus stop and walk it with your children several times so they understand it.
• Always show up to the bus stop early and stay away from the street.  Wait till the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching it.

Like so many other things in parenting, your child's safety begins at home, with proper education and preparation.  Traffic safety during the school year depends on a everyone, parents, drivers, teachers and the children themselves.  Let's all do our part this year to keep our streets safe for our young minds.