By: Karen Piso Nadeau, Esquire

August 30, 2024

It is officially back to school season! As the summer winds to a close, many of us get back into the routine of heading out the door early in the morning to take our children to school. As we re-enter navigating back to school schedules, it is important to remember these safety tips and remind our children of them as well, so that everyone can enjoy a happy, healthy, and successful school year.

Tips for Children

1. Use Sidewalks

Always use a sidewalk when walking or biking to school. If there is no sidewalk, walk or bike as close to the edge of the road as possible. Many operators drive very close to the edge of the road, so staying on a sidewalk creates a safe distance between drivers and walkers.

2. Always Use Crosswalks and Pay Attention When Crossing the Street

In an age of distracting smartphones, it is important to remind our children to always stay alert when walking and before crossing a street. Smartphones are a distraction and inhibit our ability to notice what’s going on around us, including automobiles. Put the phone away and look both ways before crossing the street to be sure there is no car approaching. If there is a crossing guard, always listen to the crossing guard’s directions; never cross the street unless a crossing guard directs you to do so. At traffic lights, wait for the walk signal to know that cars are stopped. Crosswalks help drivers notice that people are crossing, so always use a crosswalk whenever you are crossing the street.

3. Wear a Helmet When Riding a Bike

In Massachusetts, the law requires all children 16 years and younger wear a helmet when riding a bike. Helmets prevent serious head injuries that could impact the rest of your life. Remind your children to put on their bike helmets before they head out the door in the morning.

4. Avoid Any Loose Clothing or Accessories at the Playground

Loose clothing and dangling accessories can get caught on playground fixtures, causing     injury. Try to avoid clothing with hoods, drawstrings, and any jewelry when you know your child is going to be on the playground.

Tips for Teens:

1. Never Use Your Phone While Driving

Getting a license is a newfound freedom for many teenagers. However, it is also a major responsibility. In 2022, distracted driving causes 3,308 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations. Remind teenagers to never use their phone when they are on the road. Place phones in the glove compartment or in a bag so that there is no temptation to use it. Putting the phone down while driving can not only save the drivers life, but also the lives of others on the road or sidewalk.

2. Wear a Seatbelt & Never “Double Buckle”

It can be fun and exciting to drive friends to school. However, it is important to remember to only drive the amount of people as there are seats in the car. In Massachusetts, everyone in a vehicle is required to wear a seatbelt, and the driver is responsible for anyone in the car who is not wearing a seatbelt. Double buckling is also illegal. Double buckling does not allow the seat belt to function properly in the case of an accident, which can cause more injuries. that could have been prevented. If there are only 4 passenger seats in the car, only drive 4 people so that everyone can be buckled.

Tips for Parents:

1. Always Stop for School Buses

Whether you are behind a school bus or on the other side of the road, when a school bus stop, the law requires you to stop. Children can run out from all sides of the bus. Even though they exit from the right-side door, they may be crossing to the other side of the road without looking. Be sure to always come to a complete stop until the bus turns its signals off. Never drive around a school bus.

2. Be Cautious in School Drop-Off Zones 

In Massachusetts, the speed limit in school zones is 20 miles per hour, but drivers should drive much slower in school parking lots and drop-off zones. Children may be exiting from all sides of the vehicle and may run out into the street without looking. Always pay attention in school zones to make sure no one is getting injured. When dropping your child off, make sure you come to a complete stop and put the car into park so that no one gets injured.

3. Use Car Seats for Small Children 

Massachusetts law requires that all children in motor vehicles be in a federally approved car seat until they are 8 years old or over 57 inches tall. Car seats prevent serious injuries for children in car seats. Be sure that all children in the car are in the appropriate car seats or booster seats until they meet the above requirements.

Back to school is an exciting time, but it can also be hectic. By following these tips, you can help avoid serious injuries for you, your children, and those around you. Always remain alert on the road, and remind your child of these safety tips so that everyone can have a happy and successful school year.

At Nadeau Harkavy LLC, we have over 60 years combined experience representing injured people and their families when they have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, trip and fall or other type of accident. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years to help them get on with their lives after suffering the consequences of a serious accident.  We make sure everything is done to protect your interests while you and your family concentrate on getting better. We handle all types of car accident cases including wrongful death and brain injury. We represent drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, as well as other types of car accident cases such as scooter, motorcycle and skateboard cases. We also handle other types of injury cases such as trip and fall, slip and fall, allergic reaction, dog bite, construction site, and catastrophic injury accidents. If you or a loved one has been harmed through no fault of your own, call us today for a free consultation about your legal rights at 617-674-7640.