The end of summer means Portland students will be heading back to school. While this can be good news for parents who are eager to get back to regular schedules, it also means dealing with the flood of homework, school activities, and transportation issues. To start the year off on the right foot, our Portland personal injury attorneys have assembled some simple safety tips to protect your child against injuries on the way to or from school or while they are in classes.
Student Safety to and From School
One of the biggest concerns when children go back to school is making sure they get there and home again safely. The National Safety Council offers these tips, depending on the mode of transportation involved:
- For children who take the bus: Buses are actually one of the safest ways for children to get to and from school. However, it is important to follow safety precautions. At the bus stop, children should stand at least three giant steps away from the curb. Stay seated during the trip and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting up. When crossing after, wait for the driver or crossing guard to signal that it is safe.
- For walkers: Walking is a great option for people who live close to schools. Make sure your student walks with a friend and uses designated crosswalks. Warn them to be particularly alert when passing driveways or parking lots.
- For bicyclists: Riding a bike is another great way to get to and from school. Make sure your child’s bike is properly maintained, that they have a helmet and other safety gear, and that they are familiar with basic traffic regulations.
Parents who drive to school often do so to protect their children. However, this is one of the most common ways for accidents to happen. Be patient when waiting in designated lanes, do not drop off or pick up your child across the road from school, and avoid distractions, such as texting or talking on your cell phone.
Preventing Accidents and Injuries on School Grounds
Unfortunately, parents are somewhat justified in being nervous about sending children to school, particularly in light of school shootings and episodes of bullying. The National Education Association (NEA) advises that your school should have the proper safety procedures for emergencies in place and should present these to both students and parents within the first day or so that classes resume. Additionally, make sure your school has the following as well:
- Clear guidelines for reporting threats or bullying;
- Plenty of supervision in hallways and lunchrooms;
- Trained instructors and the proper safety equipment for school sports or other physical activities.
Contact Us Today for Help
When it comes to protecting the rights and safety of your children, the Johnston Law Firm acts as a strong legal advocate on your side. If your child has been injured or put at risk, call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland personal injury attorneys online and request a consultation to discuss how we can help.