Back To School: Safely Transporting Your Child

As summer ends, it’s time to gear up for a busy school year, so it’s time to start thinking about how your child will get to and from school. While you may be the one who daily transports your son or daughter to and from school, there may be days when alternate transportation is your only and maybe even a better option.

Whether you consider allowing your child to walk or bike to school, take the school bus, or be part of a carpool, it’s essential to think about and discuss safety to avoid any preventable accidents:

Carpooling

If you have a great network of friends, family, and neighbors, carpooling is a great way to transport children to and from activities because it’s flexible and takes some of the responsibility off of one adult driver.

As a parent, you must choose a driver you trust. Make sure their vehicle is equipped with proper and age-appropriate safety seats if not, supply your own. Failing to have adequate safety seats, if needed, can increase a child’s risk of injury if involved in an accident.

Additionally, remind your child to be a respectful passenger and to refrain from engaging in behavior that may distract the driver.

If your child takes the school bus, make sure he or she knows how to behave safely and appropriately and doesn’t engage in horseplay or any behavior that will distract the driver.

Older Sibling

Having a teen driver in the house can be a great help, especially if younger children need a ride to and from school.

If you allow an older sibling to be responsible for transportation, you must know your state’s laws concerning teen drivers and passengers.

Also, it’s essential to set rules and discuss some of the roadways’ dangers, such as distracted drivers and speeding or reckless drivers.

Although your teen driver may be very conscientious, the car accident attorneys in Jacksonville at Pajcic & Pajcic remind us that teen drivers are some of the least experienced and may be more at risk of being involved in a vehicle incident.

Walking or Riding a Bike to School

Walking or riding a bike may be a great way to get there if you are fortunate to live in a neighborhood near your child’s school.

If your child is walking to school, he or she must know how to use the sidewalks and be always safe and aware.

Additionally, if your child plans to ride his or her bicycle, ensure he or she always wears a safety helmet.

About the author

Matt Rhoney is an avid reader of trending topics and a writer in his spare time. On the beautiful coast of North Carolina, you will usually find him catching up on the latest news with locals or on the beach surfing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. He loves to write pieces on health, fitness, and wellness but often writes about families and safety.

Approximately 24 million students are transported to and from school by bus daily. Click here to learn the elements of school bus safety to teach your child.