August, the time of year to squeeze in last-minute vacations, get excited about football season, and prepare your kids to start school again. Here are a few safety suggestions to follow as you jump back into the school season.
Slow in School Zone
School Zones are for Kids
- Follow the speed limit while driving in a school zone.
- Obey crossing guards.
- Stop for school buses on both sides of the road and be very cautious of children.
- Always keep an eye out for children, especially near schools and parks.
- Do not pass other vehicles, make U-turns, or change lanes while in a school zone.
- Do not text and drive.
- If you must use a cell phone, only use hands-free devices.
- Unless licensed, do not use handicap spaces or lanes.
Walking to School
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Only cross streets at marked crosswalks.
- Obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Teach proper safety awareness and select the safest route between your home and the school.
- Teach your children to:
- walk to school with someone else.
- never get into a vehicle with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.
- report the incident to you or a teacher immediately if another person asks them to get into a vehicle.
Teen Driving
- Teen driving statistics are astounding!
- “Half of all teens will be involved in a car accident before their high school graduation.” – NSC.org
- “Car crashes are the top cause of death for U.S. teens – more than than suicide, disease, and homicide combined.” – NSC.org
- Teach your children the rules of driving, especially looking out for pedestrians and other drivers.
- Check out these videos by the National Safety Council for help educate new drivers:
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/Teen-Driving-Resources-and-Tips-for-Parents.aspx
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/teen-driving-the-problem.aspx
Being proactive about these tips will lead to a safer back-to-school season.
-From your friends at Paul Davis
Recover. Reconstruct. Restore.
