August is the time of year to fit in last-minute vacations, get hyped for football season, and prepare your kids to start school again. Whether you’re purchasing school supplies for a little one, preparing your teen for high school, or completing your own education, remember these safety tips to this month run as smoothly as possible.
School Zones are for Kids
- Follow the speed limit while driving in a school zone.
- Obey crossing guards.
- Stop for school buses on both sides of the road and be very cautious of children.
- Look out for children, especially near schools and parks.
- While in a school zone, do not change lanes, make U-turns, or pass other vehicles.
- If you must use a cell phone, only use hands-free devices.
- Never text and drive.
- Unless licensed, do not use handicap spaces or lanes.
Walking to School
- Look both ways before crossing the street and only use designated crosswalks.
- Obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Find the safest route between your home and the school and try walking it with your kids.
- Instruct your children to:
- never accept a ride from someone else, even if they know them, without your permission.
- walk to school with a sibling or friend.
- report any incidents to a teacher immediately.
Teen Driving
- Teen driving statistics are astounding!
- “50% of all teens will be involved in a car accident before graduating from high school.” – NSC.org
- “Car crashes are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the United States.” – NSC.org
- Teach your children the rules of driving, especially watching out for pedestrians and other drivers.
- Check out these informative videos by the National Safety Council for help educate new drivers:
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/Teen-Driving-Resources-and-Tips-for-Parents.aspx
http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/teen-driving-the-problem.aspx
Being aware of these safety tips will help you and your children stay protected during this season.
-From your friends at Paul Davis
Recover. Reconstruct. Restore.