Back To School Safety

Summer is coming to a close and the kids are headed back-to-school! This is an exciting time for students, staff and families alike, but the back-to-school season does come with an increased risk of accidents and injuries. At Custodio & Dubey, we take the safety of your children very seriously and want to share some essential back-to-school safety tips to ensure your families have a safe and successful school year.

Miguel Custodio from Custodio & Dubey says, “As the new school year begins, it’s crucial for parents, guardians, and school staff to prioritize safety to prevent accidents and injuries. Let’s work together to make this school year successful and safe!”

Road Safety: Walking and Biking to School

If your child walks or bikes to school, it’s important to review road safety rules with them. Remind your child to:

Always use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
Look both ways before crossing the street.
Wear a properly-fitted helmet when biking.
Stay on sidewalks or designated bike paths whenever possible.
Avoid distractions like using phones or headphones while walking or biking.

Bus Safety

For children who take the bus, the following guidelines can help prevent accidents:

Arrive at the bus stop early and wait in a safe area, away from traffic.
Never walk behind the bus, and always stay visible to the driver.
Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent falls.
Stay seated and face forward while the bus is in motion.

Click HERE for more information on school bus related injuries.

Safe Driving Around Schools

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of children around schools. Keep these tips in mind:

Slow down and be extra cautious in school zones, where speed limits are reduced.
Watch for children crossing the street, especially near crosswalks and bus stops.
Avoid double parking, which blocks visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.
Never pass a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended; it’s illegal and dangerous.

If your teen is driving themselves to school, please remind them that following proper driving safety is crucial during this time. Car accidents are the No. 1 cause of death for teenagers.

Backpack Safety

Choosing the right backpack is more important than you may think. Backpacks can lead to back, neck, and shoulder injuries. Help your child avoid strain by:

Choosing a backpack with wide, padded straps and a padded back.
Ensuring the backpack’s weight doesn’t exceed 10-15% of your child’s body weight.
Packing heavier items close to the back and using all compartments to distribute weight evenly.
Be mindful when using a rolling backpack, as this can be a trip hazard.

Playground and Sports Safety

Recess and physical activity is a vital part of the school day, but playgrounds and sports can pose risks. Make sure your child knows these safety rules:

Use equipment properly and follow all posted playground rules.
Avoid pushing or shoving which can lead to falls and injuries.
Report any damaged or broken equipment to a teacher or school staff immediately.
Never ignore a head injury.
Be mindful of jewelry or jackets that can cause risk of strangulation.

The National Safety Council has a downloadable checklist (available here) for parents to review before the first day of school. Below are links to other back-to-school safety articles. We hope you take advantage of these resources and have a safe school year! Call our team if you need help with a personal injury claim.

American Red Cross

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

ADT Security