The new school year is just around the corner, and experienced Texas pedestrian accident attorneys are encouraging families to help their kids stay safe while traveling to and from school. Each new year represents new accomplishments and new freedoms for children. Whether your kids have been walking themselves to school for many years or are just starting to travel on their own, don’t forget to remind them of a few essential safety tips.
Here are some back to school pedestrian safety tips for kids and families, courtesy of the National Safety Council:
- Know your route. Before school starts, walk or bicycle the route to and from school with your children. Be “safety sleuths” during the trip: practice identifying places where accidents might occur and safe ways to help prevent them. If your kids wait at a bus stop, tell them to always wait away from the road until the bus comes to a complete stop.
- Use safety rules and tools. Teach kids that the privilege of walking or bicycling to school comes with responsibilities, like always obeying signs and crossing guards, looking both ways before they cross the street, and always wearing a bicycle helmet. Older kids can learn to help younger ones travel safely as well.
- Check the backpack. Children should carry a backpack that weighs no more than 10 to 20 percent of their total body weight. Choose a backpack that has safety and comfort features like ergonomic straps and a waist belt, and teach kids to use these properly to make the backpack safer and more comfortable to carry.
If your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident due to a negligent motorist, contact Brown Trial Firm, PLLC today to get started on your compensation claim.