Keep Your Kids Safe During Fall School Commute

As fall daylight shortens and especially after daylight savings begins on November 3^rd, parents and guardians are urged to make sure that their children are as safe as possible as they travel to school and after-school activities.

In the fall season, many motorists may not account for the diminished visibility during their daily commutes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that kids on their way to and from school may be at a greater risk of being hit by a vehicle during the fall months. Children who walk, ride bikes, and wait by the road for school busses are all at increased risk.

There are several simple tips parents can follow to help make sure their children remain safe and protected as they travel:

Children should always be taught proper road crossing and traffic safety. They should know to look both ways and when it is safe to cross the street. They should never wear headphones and listen to music while walking to school, as they may not be able to hear a car approaching. Knowledge of all crosswalks and street signs along their route is also important. It is never too early to teach your kids the rules of the road.

Kids should wear brightly colored outerwear while walking to school and all after school activities. Children should always wear a reflector on their backpack, bicycle, and scooter. Reflectors are sometimes the only thing a motorist will see that will alert them to the fact that there is a child near the road.

It is recommended that an adult accompany all children to school, especially those under the age of 10. When an adult is not available, kids walking to school should always use the buddy system and walk on the sidewalk, never in the street.

Children should be urged to walk, never run. This gives motorists more time to notice them and adjust their driving. Running also makes it easier to fall into the street, where kids may not be seen by a passing driver.

If your child follows these simple steps, they will be well on their way to enjoying their school day while minimizing their risk of being in an accident.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in an accident that was not your fault, or you feel you may have a medical malpractice related claim or need social security disability benefits, call Graves McLain, the Tulsa Personal Injury Law Firm for a free confidential consultation at 918-359-6600. An experienced attorney will review your situation at no cost to you. We represent victims and their families in serious injury and death cases arising from medical mistakes, vehicle collisions, and other accidents.

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