School Safety Tips For Walkers

With school still in session before the winter break, it is an exciting time for children and parents alike. 
With the nice weather still holding strong through the fall months, many students will still be walking to school instead of taking the bus or being dropped off by a parent. It serves as a nice form of exercise and gives students a sense of independence.
Still, it can be dangerous walking to school so it is important to make sure your children are safe and know how to walk safely. Here are a handful of tips to make sure your children are safe walking to school:

• Plan the route – you should know the route your child or children plan on using to get to school. When planning the route, make sure to avoid busier streets and emphasize sticking to the route. Avoiding “shortcuts” can avoid any unwanted surprises.
• Set up a walking buddy/group – if possible, it is smart to have your child walk with someone else or a group of students. There is safety in numbers, and walking as a group can make them more noticeable to motorists and help in possibly dangerous situations.
• Limit distractions – it is almost unreal to think that something as simple as walking has been affected by distraction. Almost everyone has a cellphone, and children are no exception. Tell your children to avoid using their phones and to remain aware at all times while walking. Potential hazards can be anywhere.
• Emphasize intersections/driveways – it is important to point out potential dangers when planning a route, and intersections and driveways can be a great place to start. Make sure your child/children are aware of the dangers and take extra care when crossing in front of driveways or through an intersection. Wait for the direction of a crossing guard if they are working an intersection.

Walking to school can be exciting but it is dangerous and accidents do happen. If you or a family member was injured in a pedestrian accident while crossing the street, walking through a parking lot or on the sidewalk, you might need an attorney to thoroughly investigate your accident. The attorneys at Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A., in New Jersey handle pedestrian accidents with a legal team that includes two full-time investigators dedicated to your case.
Call Lombardi and Lombardi, P.A. at 732-564-7165 or fill out our convenient online contact form for an initial consultation today.
 
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.