As summer ends, back-to-school driving safety deserves fresh attention. While you pull together fall clothes, school supplies, and transportation plans, keep a few key tips in mind. Drivers should slow down in school zones. They should also watch for buses and stay alert for children who walk or bike to class.
Helmets and Safe Routes to School
Many schools now join the Let’s Move initiative or the Safe Routes to School program. These programs encourage walking or biking to school. If your child rides a bike or scooter, make sure he or she wears a properly fitted helmet. The helmet should fit snugly. It should sit flat on top of the head and have a buckled chin strap. It should not move up and down or side to side. Remember, a helmet only does its job once.
Keep Helmets Off the Playground
A helmet belongs on the head during a bike ride, but not on a playground. Teach your child to remove the helmet before playing on playground equipment. A bike helmet can get stuck in openings on that equipment, which can strangle a child.
Watch Out for Drawstrings
A drawstring does not belong near a child’s neck. Therefore, look closely at your child’s jackets, hoodies, and sweatshirts. Confirm that no drawstrings run through the upper portion. Also check the waist and bottom drawstrings on other clothing. New regulations limit the visible string to three inches when you stretch the clothes wide. The CPSC has received 26 reports of children who died when a drawstring became tangled. The hazards included playground slides, school bus doors, and other objects. Waist and bottom drawstrings have also caught in car doors and caused dragging incidents.
Anchor Soccer Goals
Does your child play soccer? If so, the CPSC recommends a simple step. Coaches, school officials, and field staff should anchor goals to the ground. That way, the goals do not tip over and cause a serious injury or death.
If an injury affects you, our experienced bicycle accident lawyer, slip and fall lawyer, and wrongful death lawyer are available for a free consultation.
