Back-to-School Safety: Preventing Accidents as Kids Head Back to Class
It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep our kids safe when class is back in session for the fall. As routine changes and everyone gets used to the new schedule, drivers, parents, and even school administrators will need to be extra cautious to prevent any sort of accidents from happening. There are certain hot spots on each campus. Places like school bus stops, crosswalks, carpool drop-off zones, and even playgrounds can be risky.
What are the most common back-to-school accidents?
A lot can go wrong on school campuses, particularly during the first few weeks as everyone adjusts. Here are some of the issues we most often see:
Pedestrian accidents
When children walk to school or wait at the bus stop, there is always a risk that they could be struck by a speeding driver — or someone who is driving without paying attention, perhaps distracted by a phone.
Bus-related accidents
While it’s the Illinois state law for drivers to stop while children enter or exit a bus, not everyone obeys the law. Children may be at risk if drivers fail to stop. They may also receive injuries if buses aren’t properly maintained. Heat exhaustion, bumps, bruises, and abrasions are common issues from poor maintenance.
Bike accidents
Kids often love the freedom of riding their bikes to school; however, they might need to remember to observe all traffic laws as they whizz around. Even if they do, there is always a risk of being clipped by a vehicle in a driveway, intersection, or even in the school parking lot.
Parking lot accidents
School parking lots can be messy places. In the rush of drop off and pick up, the space can descend into chaos, which can cause accidents if drivers aren’t careful. To keep everyone safe, be sure to stick to all traffic laws — as well as follow instructions from school staff members.
Playground accidents
Broken arms on the monkey bars, chipped teeth when coming off the slides … it all happens more often than you think. It’s easy for kids to get hurt on the school’s play equipment. This could be due to a lack of supervision for younger students in particular by recess monitors, or poorly maintained equipment that is rusted or broken.
How to prevent back-to-school accidents
It’s easy to prevent accidents as kids head back to school. However, working together is key. Here are some great steps for all community members to follow to keep our kids safe:
What drivers can do
As a driver, following state law is always the most important way to keep kids safe. Be sure to always slow down to the posted speed limit in school zones, be extra vigilant near crosswalks – especially if there is no crossing guard present, and never, ever pass a stopped school bus. Even when outside a school zone, keep your eyes peeled for kids walking or biking home throughout your neighborhood, just in case.
Ignoring these rules can have serious consequences, inducing a massive ticket, a suspended license, or worse — the injury of a child.
Tips for parents
The most important thing a parent can do is to make sure their kids understand basic traffic laws. Remind them not to jaywalk, but to cross safely at the intersection instead. Always wear a helmet when riding a bike, and never “text and ride.” Waiting for the bus to stop before standing to exit can also prevent injuries. For younger kids, remind them to be careful on the playground and tell a teacher about any equipment that looks broken or unsafe.
For school administrators
School admins should make sure that all crosswalks, school zone signs, and bus loading areas are marked, so drivers can easily recognize them. Make sure there is good traffic flow in the parking lots, especially when it’s busy. Plus, put in a request with the school district to regularly check the buses for maintenance issues to keep them in good shape.
Who is liable for a back-to-school accident?
Schools and local governments must ensure safe surroundings for students, including clear road signs, reliable bus services, safe crosswalks, and well-maintained playgrounds. If a child gets hurt because the school failed to provide these things, there is potential for a lawsuit.
If your child was injured in an accident as school started back up, it’s important to know your legal rights. You don’t have to go through this alone—our skilled team is here to support you.
