Getting to school
safely and efficiently
Nothing says back to school like hectic mornings scrambling
to make lunches and check homework, rushing to get everyone out the door on
time. Starting the school year and developing a routine can be stressful. Wondering
if your child is getting to school safely can add to the stress of the
beginning of the year. Whether your child takes the bus, walks, or bikes to
school, there are certain safety precautions that you and your child should
discuss prior to the start of the school year.
Consider your child’s
age and developmental stage, because children are not smaller versions of
adults. Are they mature enough to check traffic prior to crossing the street?
Younger children cannot correctly judge the speed of an oncoming car,
ultimately altering their judgment and putting them at risk. Children under the
age of 10 should be crossing the street with a crossing guard or other adult to
limit the risk of pedestrian traffic injury.
There are risk factors besides age that parents should
consider when making the decision to allow their child to make the commute to
school on their own. Parents should know that boys are at a higher risk of a
pedestrian traffic injury than girls, most accidents occur between the hours of
3pm and 7pm, and the majority of children pedestrian injuries occur during nice
weather when kids are playing outside. Many accidents occur when children run
out into the street unexpectedly, such as from between parked cars. Make sure
your child understands the importance of crossing the street from a corner.
Talking to your child is one of the best ways to prevent
injury when walking or biking to school, or for fun. Consider walking or biking
with your child prior to allowing them to go out on their own. Leading by
example is a great way for your kids to learn the correct way to cross the
street or ride with traffic. Teach children what different traffic signals mean
so that they know the appropriate time to cross the street. Show your kids the
appropriate hand signals for biking, and practice while riding through a
neighborhood with minimal traffic.
By educating yourself and your kids about traffic safety,
the risk of traffic related injury can greatly decrease, making for a safe and
great school year!
- Heather Finnegan, PT, DPT
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