Summer is nearly behind us, and that means students of all ages– from kindergartners to college seniors – have headed back to class here in the Springfield area. Whether they’re walking, riding bicycles, riding the bus or driving, the fact is that hundreds of students are back on the move, which can complicate both morning and afternoon traffic. At this time of year, it’s especially important to be vigilant about safety, whether you’re a student, a parent, or just a motorist sharing the road. In this post, our Missouri personal injury lawyers discuss a few important safety guidelines to be mindful of during the “Back to School” season.
- Riding the school bus. Especially if you’re the parent of young children, take some time to talk with them about roadway safety issues and best practices. If they’re bus riders, remind them to stand at least six feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb while they’re waiting to be picked up: you should always be able to see the bus driver, and he or she should always be able to see you.
- Walking. If your students walk to or from school, encourage them to use a route where there are sidewalks available, if possible. If there’s no sidewalk available, students should always walk facing traffic. And while it may seem obvious, remind your children of the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street: always stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming, and never dart in front of a parked car.
- Riding a bicycle. Students who commute via bicycle should remember to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, in a single-file line. Always come to a complete stop and walk your bicycle when crossing a roadway. And finally, importantly, you should never ride without wearing a properly fitting helmet. (To learn more about our firm’s safety helmet program, click here.)
- Sharing the road with student traffic. Motorists should expect to encounter all kinds of student traffic, especially during the morning and afternoon commutes. Use extra caution in residential neighborhoods; expect frequent “starts” and “stops” when traveling near school buses; and remember to slow down and take it easy when you encounter students on foot or on bicycles.
If we all take steps to be proactive about safety, we can help ensure everyone arrives safely at their destinations. We wish all our local students a great school year!
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Missouri personal injury lawyers serve auto accident victims in Springfield and the surrounding areas, including Republic, Willard, Ash Grove, Rogersville, Nixa, Ozark, Branson, and Hollister. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury caused by another driver’s carelessness or negligence, please contact our office today to find out if we can help. Our attorneys work on a contingent-fee basis, and we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case: it won’t cost you anything to find out if we can help. To learn more, call us toll-free at 1-888-777-AUTO, or click the “Contact Us” button above to get in touch with us online. For your convenience, we are available 24/7/365.