With the summer winding down, it is time for many families to begin preparing for the upcoming school year. Even more important than the annual back-to-school shopping spree is a discussion of essential safety precautions with your children. Whether children take the bus, ride a bicycle, or walk to school, there are safety precautions each child should take to keep out of harm’s way.
Here are some topics to discuss with your child:
Walking To School
- Where to Walk – Walk the route with your child. Show them where they should walk if no sidewalk is available and where they should cross each intersection.
- Safe Crossing – Ensure your children know how to safely cross the street; stop and look left, right, and then left again to see if cars are coming.
- Avoiding Cars – Reaffirm the importance of being aware of cars, both on the street and exiting or entering driveways. Remind him or her to never dart out in front of a car.
Riding a Bicycle
- Helmet Safety – Make sure your child is wearing his or her helmet when leaving the house, and periodically check to ensure proper fit. Remember, an ill-fitting helmet is almost as dangerous as not wearing one at all.
- The Rules of the Road – Cyclists should ride on the right side, with traffic, in a single file line. Additionally, children should come to a complete stop before crossing streets, and walk bikes across an intersection. Teach your child the rules of the road by talking with them and giving examples.
Riding the Bus
- Proper Bus Procedures – Go with your child to the bus stop to teach him or her how to properly get on and off the bus. Take this opportunity to learn their routes, show them the best route to walk to the bus stop, and meet the bus driver.
- Stand Back – Show your child where to stand as the bus approaches. Children should stand six feet or three giant steps away from the curb.
- How to Cross – If your child needs to cross the street after getting off the bus, show them how and where to cross. Children should walk up the sidewalk (or side of the street) until they are 10 feet in front of the bus. The child should always make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the bus.
At BenefitSource, we are dedicated to ensuring our clients are educated about potential harm and appropriately protected against the risk. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to talk with your BenefitSource insurance professional about your changing risk factors. We specialize in evaluating your individual needs and any changes that may have happened over the past year to ensure you have the right amount of coverage at the best price. Call us directly at (877) 215-5431 or email us to set up your back-to-school appointment.
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