Back-to-School Traffic Safety Tips to Protect Your Kids

Back-to-school season is a busy time for everyone. As the end of the summer draws near, families are already planning for the upcoming school year; buying supplies, figuring out schedules, meeting teachers, signing up for after-school activities. Though your checklist may be long, make sure it includes reminding your children of these important back-to-school safety tips:

Walking to School

1. Always walk with a group of friends or fellow classmates.
2. NEVER walk alone. You should always be accompanied by a responsible adult if under the age of 12.
3. Always look left, right, and left again before crossing the street, and always use a crosswalk.
4. If there is no sidewalk, you should walk on the side of the road, facing the direction of traffic.
5. If walking home from school in the dark or dim light, wear bright or reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight.

Carpooling

1. Only ride with a trusted, licensed adult. Never ride with strangers.
2. Always buckle your seatbelt! Children under the age of 12 should always sit in the back seat.
3. Younger, smaller children should sit in an appropriate booster seat for their size and weight.
4. Supervise children when getting into the car, and when exiting the vehicle in the school parking lot or carpool area.
5. If you are driving kids to school, remember – you are responsible! Obey all traffic laws, watch your speed, and be on the lookout for pedestrians.

Riding the School Bus

1. Walk or drive your child to the bus stop and wait with him or her until the bus arrives.
2. Wait to get onto the bus until the driver says it is safe to do so. Use the handrails and be mindful of straps and drawstrings that may get caught.
3. Once on the school bus, go directly to your seat and sit down, facing the front of the bus. Remain seated while the bus is in motion.
4. When exiting the school bus, take 5 giant steps away from the front of the bus. If you must cross the street, only cross in front of the bus when the driver indicates it is safe to do so. Stop at the edge of the bus and look left, right, and left again for traffic before crossing.
5. If you’re late for the bus, never run after it!

Rules for Drivers

1. Always keep an eye out for students walking to or from school. Look around before backing out of your driveway or parking spot.
2. Slow down! Watch for reduced school zone speed limits and be mindful of children walking in the street or on the side of the road.
3. Know and obey the school bus laws in your state. Passing a school bus can have serious consequences.
   • Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down and prepare to stop.
   • Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Come to a complete stop and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before proceeding.

We hope everyone will do their part in keeping our children safe during the school year, but we know accidents happen. If you or your child is injured in a car accident, bus accident, or while walking to school, seek medical attention immediately. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights as an accident victim, and help you file a personal injury claim. Call 843-720-2800 for a free consultation, or visit one of our offices in Goose Creek, Summerville, or Downtown Charleston to speak to an attorney today.