5 Back to School Safety Tips for Parents

Is it Safe for Children to Walk or Bike to School?

As students in Kentucky and Tennessee head back to school, parents are becoming ever aware of the issues with bullying and school bus safety. However, focusing on safety for children walking or biking to school has become extremely important to parents. As a matter of fact, approximately 25,000 children are injured walking or biking to school every year. Whether your children walk to school or you’re a parent in the drop-off line, this article has safety tips that can help ensure that everyone’s child remains safe in the coming school year.

1. Avoid Road Rage

Aggressive driving has been known to attribute to over 50% of car accidents annually in the United States. Although some cities in Tennessee are known for the kindest drivers, it’s important to note that Kentucky and Tennessee, Axios Nashville reports that in the first half of 2024, there were 63 pedestrian deaths.

As the school year begins, traffic congestion can increase in some areas, leading people to dealing with higher anxiety and anger levels.

If you’re a parent in drop-off line or just a driver trying to get to work on time, take a moment to breathe. Being late is better than being the cause of a child’s injury.

2. Prepare Your Children for the Commute

Whether your children are walking or biking to school, be sure to teach them about safety on their route. Practice with them and explain to them that as they near the school, there will be a significant amount of cars, blocking their view of the street, and driving by. It’s essential they know to be cautious and not assume that drivers can see them.

Be sure they know to make eye contact with drivers on both sides of the road before they cross the street. Also let them know that walking to crosswalks, stoplights, or crossing guards may take a little extra time, but it is the safest way to get to school.

Show them the best route to get to school, then show them multiple alternative routes.

3. Be Patient

Sometimes the drop-off line in front of the school can be long, and you may find yourself glancing at the clock over and over again, getting more jittery as the minutes pass. If a crossing guard or drop-off attendant tells you to stop, stop. If you are stuck behind someone who is taking long, don’t tell your children to get out of the car. Be patient. If issues arrive with timing, just know that school officials will be notified, and your child’s tardy can be excused with one simple phone call.

4. Arrive Early

If you are walking with your children or you are driving your children, arriving early can help you avoid dangerous situations and long drop-off line waits.

You can also find place to park and walk your child to the door. Arriving early is especially helpful if you experience anxiety waiting in the drop-off line.

5. Learn School Rules

If your school’s website doesn’t have rules for drop-off and walkers or bikers, contact them and ask them questions that can help protect your child.

Here are some helpful questions you can ask your child’s school:

· What is the earliest my child can arrive?

· Where should my child enter the school?

· Is there a waiting area inside the school for inclement weather?

If you’re driving your child to school, make sure you understand the location and rules for the drop-off line.

What to Know If Your Child Has Been Injured

Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers knows that pedestrian safety in Kentucky and Tennessee is important. We work hard to educate our communities on maintaining safety during the school year. If you or your child was injured, please contact us today for your free case evaluation.