CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Back to School Safety Tips

We start school August 20th but surrounding counties have already gone back.  Following these safety tips will keep our kids safer

1)  Be on the look out for children crossing the street.
2)  Obey the Speed Limit.
3)  Be aware of busses and obey the flashing light system.  Yellow indicates bus is preparing to stop.  Red means the bus is stopped.  WHen the extended stop arms are deployed you should NEVER pass a bus.  States have specific laws so make sure you know yours!
4)  Come to a COMPLETE stop at intersections with stop signs.   No California roll stops!
5)  Reverse responsibly and check your blind spot before backing up.
6)  Watch for bicycles.  They are harder to see and many young riders do not obey the rules of the road.
7)  Remove distractions which may prevent you from keeping your eyes on the road at all times.  Yelling at your kids on the way to work because they forgot their homework is a distraction!   So are texting (illegal in many states), earbuds or talking on the phone.

If your child walks to school
1)  Cross only at cross walks or at corners.  Teach your children to NEVER cross between parked cars.  80% of pedestrian deaths occur at non-crosswalk locations.
2)  Walk across the street.  Running can cause you to stumble, drop an item and place yourself at risk.
3)  Stay on the sidewalks when they are available
4)  Look both ways before crossing the street.  Even when the light is with you
5)  Make eye contact with a driver before crossing the street, especially in states which permit turning right on red.
6)  Put down the devices.  Texting and walking or wearing your earbuds prevent you from being safe when your are on the street walking.
7)  Obey the traffic helpers around your school

Carpooling
1)  Turn off your car while waiting in the carpool line to save on fuel.
2)  Get out of your vehicle and converse with other parents
3)  OR be productive:  Read a book, make your grocery list, prepare a joke to tell your kid when they get in the car, count your blessings, do your Kegels...