Back to School Safety Precautions from Paul Davis

August is the time of year to fit in last-minute vacations, get excited about football season, and prepare for school to start. Whether you’re purchasing school supplies for a little one, prepping your teen for high school, or seeking your own education, follow these few safety tips to this month run as smoothly as possible.

Slow in School Zone

Slow in School Zone

School Zones are for Kids

  • Look for school zones and go the posted speed limit.
  • No matter which way you are traveling, brake for buses and be very cautious of children.
  • Follow the direction of school crossing guards.
  • While in a school zone, do not make U-turns, pass other vehicles, or change lanes.
  • Look out for children, especially near schools.
  • Never text and drive.
  • If you must use a cell phone, only use hands-free devices.
  • Never use handicap spaces or lanes unless licensed.

Walking to School

  • Look both ways before you cross the street and only use designated crosswalks.
  • Obey traffic signals, signs, and markings.
  • Find the safest route between your home and the school and try walking it with your kids.
  • Instruct your children to:
  1. always walk to school with other students.
  2. never get into a vehicle with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.
  3. report the incident to you or a teacher immediately if another person asks them to get into a vehicle.

Teen Driving

  • Teen driving statistics are astounding!
  • “Half of all teens will be involved in a car accident before their high school graduation.” – NSC.org
  • “Car crashes are the top cause of death for U.S. teens.” – NSC.org
  • Teach your teens the rules of driving. Use the resources below:

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 proactive about these tips will lead to a safer back-to-school season.

-From your friends at Paul Davis
Recover. Reconstruct. Restore.