Best Practices for Back to School Safety

It’s back to school time! Let’s do all we can to keep each other safe.

The back to school time of year is upon us once again. It’s a great time to brush up on important safety lessons to make sure everyone is doing their part to stay safe and injury free. Whether it’s driving or safe practices at school, there is a lot we can all do to take care of each other this school year.

At back to school time, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) will usually launch a campaign that urges motorists to be mindful and exercise caution when driving in school zones and around school buses. THP also reminds drivers to be extra cautious in neighborhoods around back to school time. Be aware of school zones and remember the speed limit is 15 mph. Unfortunately, state troopers had to issue 6,924 citations in school zones during the 2013-2014 school year alone. Violation of this speed limit puts kids and others at risk and can also land you with a fine up to $500. Additionally, put down your phone and minimize all distractions when driving and avoid changing lanes at crosswalks.

THP also emphasizes that it is illegal to pass a school bus when it is stopped and loading or unloading passengers. The State of Tennessee considers this to be a misdemeanor. You can be fined no less than $250 and up to $1,000. This law is in place to help keep kids safe and everyone should be mindful of it.

In addition to safe driving practices, there are a number of other safety measures you can take this school year, including:

• Talking to your kids about bullying. The National Center for Education Statistics states that close to 30% of kids report being bullied at school. Bullied kids have higher chances of experiencing depression, anxiety, and lower academic performance. Speaking to your kids about bullying and what they can do if it happens to them or a friend at school or online can go a long way to prevent things from getting more serious.
• Be knowledgeable about school emergency procedures. Learn about school emergency procedures with your kids. Talk to them about what they should do in certain emergency situations and walk them through it.
• Talk to teachers about allergies. If your child has an allergy or special medical condition, do not rely on school paperwork to adequately inform your kid’s teacher(s). Talk to them specifically about the allergy or condition. Make sure they know what to do if it comes up and how to recognize warning signs.

Back to school time is an exciting and fresh start for everyone. Safe practices can help ensure everyone maintains a positive school experience this year. If your child is every injured on or off school property, know that you do not have to handle it all by yourself.