August is the time of year to squeeze in last-minute vacations, get excited about football season, and prepare your kids to start school again. Whether you’re purchasing school supplies for a little one, preparing your teen for high school, or improving your own education, follow these safety tips to this month run as smoothly as possible.
School Zones are for Kids
- Follow the speed limit while in a school zone.
- Follow the direction of school crossing guards.
- Brake for school buses on both sides of the road and be very cautious of children.
- Look out for children, especially near schools and parks.
- While in a school zone, do not make U-turns, pass other vehicles, or change lanes.
- Use a hands-free device if you need to make any calls.
- Never text and drive.
- Never park in handicap spaces unless licensed.
Walking to School
- Look both ways before crossing the street and only use designated crosswalks.
- Obey traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings.
- Demonstrate traffic safety awareness and pick the safest route between the school and your home.
- Instruct your children to:
- never get into a car with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.
- always walk to school with a sibling or friend.
- 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!
- “Before high school graduation, 50% of all teens will be involved in a car crash.” – NSC.org
- “Car crashes are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the United States.” – NSC.org
- Help your teen stay safe by teaching the basics of being a good driver and watching out for other drivers and pedestrians.
- Watch these videos by the National Safety Council for help educate new drivers:
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
Staying informed, educated and aware of these tips will help you and your children stay protected during this season.
-From your friends at Paul Davis
Recover. Reconstruct. Restore.