For most, the school year is off to a roaring start and as a parent and driver you should always be concerned with the safety of your children and their peers as they travel to and from school. For a safe and enjoyable back to school experience on the roads this fall, follow our top safety tips.
For Yourself: As a driver attempting to navigate the roadways on your average commute or longer journey, there is so much that you need to pay attention to on the road. Adding a bunch of kids to the mix only ups the ante. Keep the kids in mind as you drive this fall.
- Drive slowly, especially when you are in a school zone (marked by flashing lights and signs), or during the times that school is starting (early morning) or ending (early afternoon).
- Be aware of school buses, which you cannot cross on the left or right when their lights are flashing. Even when the lights are off, check for kids who may have wandered!
- Avoid rushing in general, especially when passing by areas that children might frequent, such as a school or childcare facility.
For Your Kids: Whether they are walking or biking, there is always some risk associated with sending your kids travelling outside of the house. Minimize those risks by effectively communicating the following safety tips with your children: many of which they will already be familiar with, but some which may be fairly new to them. Never assume that they will know what to do unless you tell them!
- Keep your child in the crosswalks when they choose to cross the street, and don’t let small children cross the street without adult supervision.
- Warn your kids of the dangers of being on the roadways after dark when walking or biking, and instruct them to stay away from vehicles travelling in reverse.
- Have your children bike on the right side of the road, and walk along the road to the left facing traffic. They should always be moving as far away from traffic as possible.
- Make sure they are wearing the proper safety gear—working helmets, bikes with brakes, securely fitting footwear, and not engaging in any risky behavior like allowing a friend to ride on their handlebars or running into the street after a stray ball.
- Be sure that your children respect the rules of the road and that they never assume a driver will notice them. They need to make eye contact with drivers whenever possible, and be sure to clearly identify themselves whenever crossing the street or partaking in any other activity that puts them in the way of moving vehicles.
At Berliner-Gelfand & Co., Inc., we care deeply about the health and well-being of you and your family. Since the school year is in full swing, be sure that you are prepared to take care of your children on the roads and throughout their life. For more information on the insurance services that we provide, give our office a call today at 203-367-7704.