As summer fades and families prepare for the back-to-school season, child safety occupies the minds of many Sioux Falls, South Dakota parents. Whether your kids are walking, biking, bussing or driving to school, a motor vehicle accident can turn a new school season into a tragedy.
You cannot always know if the roadways are safe for your children. However, you can improve their odds of avoiding a motor vehicle accident. Teaching your kids about safety on the roads can help them remember to practice caution when encountering traffic.
Walking to school safely
Many children enjoy walking to school. You can keep them safe from an accident by teaching them to:
- Put away distractions
- Look both ways several times before crossing streets
- Walk on paths and sidewalks when possible
- Walk with other kids, if possible, to improve visibility
These tips are valuable to schoolchildren of all ages if they walk to school.
Biking to school safely
The tips above for walking to school also apply to those riding bikes to school. You can also teach your kids to:
- Wear brightly colored clothes to improve visibility
- Watch for hazards like car doors opening
- Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle
- Walk their bikes across roads and intersections
The safety tips above teach children to remain aware of their circumstances when using roadways.
Driving to school safely
When children reach their teen years, they may want to drive to school. Help them avoid motor vehicle accidents by teaching them to:
- Avoid using mobile devices while driving
- Always wear their seat belts
- Avoid driving if they are exhausted
- Drive defensively while also respecting other motorists
Motor vehicle accidents come with many expensive collateral consequences aside from an injury. Seeking compensation in the wake of a pedestrian or car accident can help you minimize your family’s hardships after the crash.