SACRAMENTO BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY TIPS

It is that time of year again — back to school time for students in Sacramento. In less than a month, Sacramento City Unified Schools and school systems throughout the area will begin the 2017-2018 school year. As student return to classes, parents, teachers, school officials and law enforcement officers will take extra precautions to ensure the safety of students in school zones. However, drivers need to do their part to keep kids safe in school zones this school year.

Watch for Children and Keep Them Safe

During 2015, 1,132 children died in traffic-related accidents, a five percent increase from 2014. It is estimated that 178,000 children were injured in traffic-related accidents year, a six percent increase from the previous year. As we begin a new school year, we need to be aware that there will be more children on the road as passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Below are several safety tips for driving in school zones and near schools and other areas where children play or congregate. As drivers, it is up to us to avoid traffic accidents involving children.

School Zone Safety Tips

• When approaching a school, slow down and always obey the speed limits for school zones.
• Always stop for buses loading and unloading children. Watch for children who may dart into the road as the bus approaches.
• When approaching a school crossing, slow down and look for directions from the school crossing guard.
• Never pass another vehicle while driving in a school zone.
• Do not make U-turns when in a school zone.
• Avoid anything that can be a distraction while driving in a school zone including cell phones, GPS devices, adjusting radio controls, eating, grooming, etc.
• Follow all directions for loading and unloading children.

Walking or Riding Bicycles to School Safety Tips

If your children are walking to school, these tips can help keep them safe.

• Walk/ride the route to school with your child several times to teach him or her how to navigate crossings on the way to school.
• Teach your child to recognize and obey all traffic signals, pavement markings, and signs.
• Always use sideways and public streets — never cross through yards or parking lots.
• Teach children to go straight to school and straight home — no stops.
• Children should travel in groups for added safety.
• Teach children not to speak to strangers. Give your child a loud whistle and teach him or her to blow that whistle if a stranger begins to approach.
• Always walk when crossing intersections – never run across.
• Always look both ways before crossing any street. Try to make eye contact with a driver who is stopped to ensure the driver sees you.
• Teach your child never to leave with a stranger for ANY reason. Having a code word can help too. If a person says you are hurt, or you gave them permission to pick you up but does not know the code word, run for help.

For more safety tips for back to school, visit the websites for the National Safety Council, American Red Cross, and Safe Kids.

Sacramento Child Injury Attorneys

If your child is injured this school year, our Sacramento child injury attorneys can help. It is devastating when a child is injured. Holding the negligent party responsible is something we can help parents do.

Contact The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or visit our website for more information and to schedule a free consultation. We assist clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.