It’s that time again! Summer break is nearing an end and it’s time to head back to school. Whether you have little ones getting ready for their first day, or big ones leaving for campus, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1) Walking & Biking
Make sure younger kids are well acquainted with safe routes to go to and from school. If walking, stay on the sidewalks and cross streets within crosswalks. If kids will be biking, make sure they know and follow the rules of the road. In all cases, teach kids to assume cars can’t see them. Remind older kids to stay off their devices - no phone calls, no texting, and take off the headphones. These are just as much a distraction when walking or biking as when driving.

2) Driving
Remember to slow down in areas where kids are typically present. If you have a new driver, remind them to be patient near schools and parks, even if it’s mostly older kids around, such as near high schools. Stay alert for pedestrians unexpectedly walking into traffic and don’t use a vehicle to threaten people to move faster. Put away all devices when operating a vehicle.

3) Strangers
Remind younger kids about talking to strangers. Kids should never accept rides or gifts from people they don’t know. If you aren’t able to pick up your child from school as planned, make sure you communicate to your child who will be picking them up instead. In case your child is not sure of the pickup plan, teach them to talk to school personnel who can help them coordinate a safe ride home.

Have a great school year from David A. Axelrod & Associates!

Sources:
National Safety Council
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Reader's Digest