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Back to School … Safely!

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For most of us, the back-to-school season brings the constant shuffling of papers, carpools, heavy backpacks, and hectic schedules. While getting back into the swing of things, remember to safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and be sure to reinforce with children the necessary knowledge to keep them safe throughout the school year.

Twenty years ago, young children, ages 5 to 9, were more at risk than any other age group under 19 for being struck by a vehicle while walking. Thankfully, the death rate for kids of all ages in this category has declined more than 50 percent since 1995. But the news is not all good.

According to a study by SafeKids.org, an average of 61 children are hit by cars every day in the United States, most often during the hours before and after school, and peaking in September. There has also been a noticeable demographic shift. It is now much more likely that it will be a teenager rather than a younger child that will be hit by a car.

Distractions are everywhere, and cell phones top the list. It’s estimated that kids aged 13-17 send more than 3,400 text messages each month. That’s more than 7 messages every hour that they are awake! So whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it’s important that they, and the motorists around them, take proper safety precautions.

Before your children head out, remind them of these year-round safety tips:

  • Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
  • If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk
  • Never cross the street while using an electronic device
  • Don’t walk near traffic while wearing headphones
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available
  • Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street
  • Cross only at crosswalks where drivers expect to see a pedestrian
  • Immediately report anything suspicious by calling 911

Drivers face many distractions, too, and cell phones are a top distraction because so many drivers use them for long periods of time each day. An estimated one of every four automobile crashes involves the use of a cell phone. Together, we can drive down that number.

Drivers have a lot to pay attention to in school zones, too, and should never pass a stopped school bus with its stop sign and lights activated for any reason. Almost everyone has seen a driver distracted by a cell phone, but when you are the one who is distracted, you often don’t realize that driver is you!

As you and your children head out the door on that first day of school, and every day throughout the year, there is really only one priority: making sure that you all get home safely.

Remember, a vigilant community is a safe community.

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