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Back to School Safety Tips
The biggest test this school year may not be in the classroom, but on the journey to and from school. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths among children ages 5 - 14 followed by pedestrian injuries. That's why the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition at All Children's Hospital want parents to remind their students of the following safety tips this school year:
When riding bikes to school students need to:
- Always wear a bike helmet
- Always wear the bike helmet correctly - on top of the head & fastened at all times
- Ride in the same direction as the traffic
- Look left - look right - look left,, again (making sure there are no vehicles coming) before crossing the street
When walking to school students need to:
- Always cross at corners
- Walk, don't run across the street
- Look left - look right - look left, again (making sure there are no vehicles coming) before crossing the street
- Never accept a ride from a stranger
When riding the bus to school students need to:
- Never run to or from the bus
- Wait for the bus on the sidewalk
- Always cross the street 10 feet in front of the bus
When "car pooling" or riding to school with a parent:
- Always ride in the back seat
- Never ride in front of a passenger side air bag
- Always ride buckled-up
Parents who drive their students to school can also help students arrive safely at school by following these safety tips:
- Stop when buses are loading or unloading students
- Slow down near school bus stops
- Slow down when it is dark or raining
- Don't talk on cell phones
- Drop off and pick up students in designate areas, ONLY
Parents can make sure children know and follow basic safety rules. But what is "safe" partly depends on a child's age and maturity. Children who are younger than age 9 or 10 may not make wise decisions about traffic safety and generally should be accompanied by an adult or responsible older child.
For more information regarding traveling safely to and from school please contact Safe Kids at All Children's Hospital at 800.756.7233. Together we can help keep our children safe.
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