As the summer comes to a close, families prepare for the start of a new school year, which means children heading back to school. At KRJ Management, we understand the importance of keeping kids safe and healthy throughout the academic year. With our comprehensive school safety checklist, we aim to provide valuable tips to ensure a secure environment for children whether they walk, ride their bikes, take the bus, or are driven to school. Let’s explore these safety measures in detail and empower our children to navigate their school journey confidently.
Transportation Safety Tips
Walkers
Walking to school is a fantastic way for children to get some exercise and fresh air. However, it is crucial to review and practice family walking safety rules with your child. Encourage them to:
- Use sidewalks when available; if there are none, walk facing the traffic.
- Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street to check for oncoming vehicles.
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen before crossing.
- Cross streets only at designated crosswalks or intersections.
- Stay attentive and avoid using electronic devices while walking to avoid distracted walking.
Bike Riders
For kids who ride their bikes to school, understanding road rules and bike safety is essential. Here’s what you can do:
- Teach your child the rules of the road and practice the bike route to school together.
- Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and in a single file.
- Come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across.
- Remain focused and avoid distractions while biking.
- Ensure your child always wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing for visibility.
Bus Riders
Taking the school bus is a common mode of transportation for many students. Ensuring their safety during the ride is paramount:
- Teach your children school bus safety rules and practice them together.
- Accompany your child to the bus stop and teach them how to get on and off the bus safely.
- Instruct them to stand at least 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
- If your child needs to cross the street in front of the bus, guide them to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus. This ensures they are visible to the bus driver and vice versa.
- Familiarize yourself with bus safety facts and statistics from Injury Facts to raise awareness.
Driving Your Child to School
For parents who drive their children to school, it’s crucial to be vigilant and practice safe driving habits:
- Observe school zone speed limits and adhere to the school’s drop-off procedure.
- Make eye contact with children who are crossing the street, especially around school areas.
- Never attempt to pass a school bus loading or unloading children.
- Remember that the area 10 feet around a school bus is the most hazardous for children. Maintain a safe distance to allow them to enter and exit the bus securely.
Teen Drivers
As teenagers reach driving age, it is vital to prioritize their safety on the road:
- Recognize that inexperience is a significant factor in teen car crashes. Support new drivers by regularly practicing driving with them before and after they obtain their license.
- Lead by example; drive responsibly and demonstrate the behavior you want your teen to emulate.
- Consider signing the New Driver Deal, an agreement that sets clear expectations for both parents and teens regarding responsible driving habits.
School Safety Tips
Apart from transportation safety, there are other essential measures to ensure your child’s safety at school:
Backpacks
Choosing the right backpack is crucial to prevent strain and injuries. Here are some tips for selecting and using backpacks:
- Opt for ergonomically designed backpacks that evenly distribute weight on your child’s shoulders.
- Encourage your children to use both straps to carry their backpack, as this reduces strain on their back and shoulders.
- Ensure the backpack’s weight does not exceed 5% to 10% of your child’s body weight to avoid strain and discomfort.
- If using rolling backpacks, be cautious in crowded school hallways to prevent trip hazards.
Playgrounds and Sports
While playgrounds and sports are excellent for physical activity and socialization, it’s essential to consider safety:
- Advise your child not to wear necklaces or jackets with drawstrings while playing on playground equipment to reduce strangulation hazards.
- Encourage the use of appropriate safety gear for sports activities, especially when it involves physical contact.
- Always take head injuries seriously and seek medical attention if necessary. Even seemingly minor head injuries should not be ignored.
Conclusion
At KRJ Management, we believe that implementing these school safety measures is crucial for creating a secure and healthy learning environment for children. By following these tips, we can ensure that our children are well-prepared to face the challenges of the new school year safely. Let’s work together to protect our children and make their educational journey a positive and enjoyable one. Remember, safety begins with each one of us.