Safe School Transportation for the Whole Family
While you’re spending the last few days of summer vacation soaking up the sun, it’s essential to talk with your kids about staying safe during their back-to-school commute. Regardless of which method of transportation your family prefers—carpooling, walking, biking, or bussing—everyone can benefit from knowing these safety tips and tricks.
Driving to School? Keep These in Mind
If you or an older sibling is going to be driving the kids to and from school this year, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, always obey the speed limit in school zones and watch out for children who may be crossing the street. You should also refrain from using your cell phone while driving; not only is this incredibly distracting but cell phone use in school zones is against the law in Florida.
Although it may be tempting to double-park or drop your child off in front of the school entrance, every school has a preferred method of managing pick-up and drop-off. While some have designated carpool lanes where you let your child out and leave, others may require you to park in a designated spot and walk to the building. Knowing this ahead of time eliminates confusion and simplifies the process for you and your little one.
Planning Ahead for Carpooling with Other Families
If you decide to carpool with another family or a group of families, there are a few things you can do to make the experience safer for everyone involved. Choosing a meeting spot that’s well-lit and close to the school is always a safe option; this way, the kids won’t have to cross the street to get to the car.
You should also establish a set of rules for the carpool, such as who can sit in which seat and what behavior is expected. Finally, make sure everyone in the carpool knows the route you’ll be taking to avoid any confusion—or arguments—down the road.
Walking or Biking to School? Stay Seen
If your child is old enough to walk or bike to school on their own, there are a few things you need to do to make sure they’re staying safe. First, walk the route with them beforehand and point out any potential dangers, such as busy intersections or areas without sidewalks. The basic rules of pedestrian and bicycle safety may also be beneficial for them to know. This can include:
- Make eye contact and signal to drivers when crossing the street.
- Stay on the sidewalk or in the designated bike lane at all times.
- Know what all the street signs and lights mean.
- There's strength in numbers, so always walk/bike with a buddy.
It's also important to note that during certain times of the year, the commute may be in lower light than usual. To avoid any potential accidents caused by visibility issues, it may be preferred that your child wear brighter colors or has a reflective patch on their backpack.
Staying Safe on the School Bus
School bus commuters should also know how to keep themselves safe, especially if the bus stop is in a busy area. For starters, children should always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching it. Once on the bus, they should remain seated until arrived at their destination. Bus drivers may also direct the children to only cross the street in front of the bus, so they know when each child is safely across.
There are also some basic rules of courtesy that children should follow while riding the bus, such as not throwing things, yelling, or putting their feet on the seats. Not only is this disruptive to other riders, but it can also be dangerous.
Daytona Beach Accident Attorneys
No matter how your family is getting to school this year, we encourage all individuals to practice safe commuting behaviors whenever possible.
Politis & Matovina, P.A. has been trusted in the Daytona Beach area for nearly 30 years and can help you and your loved ones recover compensation following a crash that left you injured. If you need legal assistance for a motor vehicle accident, contact our team at (386) 333-6613.