With school starting back up, JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLPwould like to remind parents and children to take special care when travelling on the road. Here are a few road safety tips that can help keep the roads safe for young children travelling to and from school:
Motorists are reminded to give themselves extra time, slow down in school zones and obey crossing guards. Motorists are also reminded to stop for a school bus if it is displaying an extended stop arm.
Parents and guardians are likewise reminded to speak to their children about road safety when using and sharing the roadway, either it be by school bus, car, bicycle, or by foot. Reviewing the following safety rules and tips will make the school commute safer for our children.
Research conducted by Transportation Canada shows that school bus travel is 16 times safer than travelling in a family car. However, mishaps can still occur. Here are some safety tips for the use of a school bus as a mode of transportation:
- Never step off the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Always use seat belts if the bus is equipped with them and stay seated at all times when riding the bus.
- Wait until the school bus comes to a complete stop before getting off.
- When leaving the school bus, stay in view of the driver, and always cross the street in front of the school bus.
- Always check both sides of the roadway before crossing the street.
Conversely, many children use the roadway to walk to school. Parents and guardians must be aware of the many steps that can be taken to ensure safe travels. Here are some safety tips for parents with children travelling by foot to school:
- Remind your children about the importance of not accepting rides from strangers.
- Encourage your children to walk with friends and to focus on getting straight to home from school.
- Make sure the route your children take to and from school is safe and free from any danger.
Here are some safety tips for children travelling by foot to school:
- Never take a shortcut through a wooded area when walking to and from school.
- If possible, wear light, or brightly coloured clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you.
- Do not cross the street while texting or talking on your smartphone.
Here are some safety tips for children riding a bicycle to school:
- Always wear an approved helmet when riding a bicycle.
- Always stop for stop signs and red lights and follow the rules of traffic lights.
- Do not listen to music on your smartphone or any other device when riding your bicycle.
With education and awareness, we can help keep our children safe throughout the school year. Take the time to share these valuable rules and tips with your children so that they are better prepared for whatever may come their way.
If you or your loved one has been involved in an accident, please do not hesitate to call our legal team at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLPfor a free consultation. We are here to help you!