Back-to-School Risks in Broward County

Children are back in school and they’re facing some serious risks.

They’re faced with risks walking or riding their bicycle to school or to the bus stop, risks while riding the school bus as well as some risks on campus, like playground accidents, sporting injuries and bullying. The biggest risks they’re going to face is avoiding traffic while walking to and from the bus stop or to school. It is important for parents to stay up-to-date on the proper safety precautions and share this information with their children to keep them safe throughout the school year.

“There is nothing as important as getting students to and from school safely,” said Gary Catapano with First Student.

Our Fort Lauderdale child injury lawyers understand that children are much more prone to accident injuries than adults. They’re also much more likely to find themselves in risk scenarios as they aren’t always concerned with safety, and sometimes may not be able to recognize danger.

Parents are asked to read the following safety tips and to share them with their young students periodically throughout the school year. more Child Safety School Tips:

-Make sure that children who walk to the school bus know to always use sidewalks and cross the road at intersections where there are crosswalks, crossing guards or traffic signals.

-Make sure that children keep their electronics put away while walking. They need to be completely aware of their surroundings at all times.

-While riding the bus, all students should find a seat as soon as possible. Sit down, face forward and avoid yelling. Students want to be sure not to distract the driver.

-Keep an eye on your child’s backpack. Over-stuffing it can cause some serious problems. It should never weight more than 10 or 20 percent of their body weight.

-Children should never horseplay while walking to/from the bus stop or while waiting for the bus. Make sure that they know to wait at least 5 giant steps away from the road while waiting to the bus to come.

-Make sure that children aren’t walking alone. Get with the parents of other parents in the area and make sure that everyone is on the same page in terms of safety. Have these children walk together.

-Make sure that they understand how to deal with strangers. Stress the fact that strangers shouldn’t be asking children for help or giving them things. Remind her that it’s sometimes okay, however, to ask strangers for help. Children should know that certain people, although strangers, can be sources of help – a police officer, a mall security person, a store salesperson, or a mother with children.

Every home and school should teach children about safety and protection measures. As a parent, you should take an active interest in your children and listen to them.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Richard Ansara at 954 761-3641 or (954) 761-4011 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your case. More Blog Entries: South Florida Pedestrian E.R. Visits on the Rise, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, July 24, 2013 Young Driver Blamed for Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Broward, Broward Injury Lawyer Blog, July 10, 2013