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School’s Back in Session: Watch Out for the Kids

by  on  Car Accidents & Motor Vehicle Collisions

School is back in session and now is the perfect time to remind parents, caregivers, children and drivers about roadway safety in and around area school zones. Some kids walking to and from school may not make the best or wisest decisions with regard to safety; however, adults have the ability to make choices that will keep everyone as safe as possible.

Your Denver injury lawyer has several safety tips for children and their parents and/or caregivers, as well as those driving on area roadways. First and foremost, it is crucial for adults to practice good safety habits and techniques when walking along roadways, as it is well known that kids tend to repeat the behaviors of the adults in their lives. Children watch and listen to what adults do and often mimic them, good or bad.

When holding a discussion with your kids about safety when walking to/from school or waiting at the bus stop, be sure to stress the importance of looking both ways when crossing the street and waiting for the bus operator to indicate when it is safe to cross the street. For those children who ride the bus, it is important to remind them to avoid playing on or near the bus and wait for the bus to completely stop prior to getting up from their seat.

Kids should also be made aware of the safest routes in which to walk when going to or leaving school and parents and/or caregivers should be sure that their children know to abide by the walk/don’t walk signs when crossing the street. Children should also be advised to stay focused when walking and crossing streets, making sure to stay off of their phones and avoid using headphones or other electronics that could distract them and put them at risk while walking.

Drivers Can Help Keep Everyone Safe

Of course, drivers can do a number of things to keep themselves and the children sharing the roads as safe as possible. Most children do not have the ability to estimate a vehicle’s speed and distance accurately, so it is up to drivers to use their better judgment and slow down, particularly in school zones and areas where children tend to play.

When it comes to keeping young pedestrians safe, the National Safety Council encourages drivers to stop and yield to those in the crosswalk or crossing at an intersection in and/or around school zones. Always stop for crossing guards who are holding up stop signs and never block crosswalks when stopping at a red light.

Drivers are also advised to be extra mindful of the presence of kids near playgrounds and parks, school zones and residential neighborhoods. Never pass automobiles that have stopped to allow pedestrians to cross and always keep in mind that pedestrians have the right of way.

Unfortunately, more kids are hit near schools than in any other location. But it is possible for everyone to be safe on Denver roadways this school year. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident, contact Levine Law as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights and options.