As the summer winds down and a new school year approaches, parents across Northern New Mexico are preparing their children for the return to classrooms. While this time brings excitement and anticipation, it’s also important to focus on safety, particularly when it comes to bus stops and crosswalks. The following are some essential tips to keep our young students safe as they head back to school.
Understanding the Risks
Each year, thousands of children nationwide are injured in accidents related to school transportation. These incidents often occur at bus stops, in crosswalks, or in school zones. Distracted drivers, poorly marked crossings, and children’s unpredictable behavior can all contribute to dangerous situations.
Bus Stop Safety
The journey to school often begins at the bus stop, a place where safety should be paramount. Here are some key points to remember:
Arrive Early: Encourage your children to arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Rushing to catch the bus can lead to careless behavior.
Stay Back: Teach your children to stand at least three giant steps away from the curb as the bus approaches. This distance helps ensure they’re out of the “danger zone” around the bus.
Wait for the Signal: Instruct your child to wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the street to board. Even if the bus has stopped, other vehicles may not.
Visibility is Key: During early morning hours or on cloudy days, make sure your child wears bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility to drivers.
Crosswalk Awareness
Many students walk to school or need to cross streets after exiting the bus. Proper crosswalk safety is essential:
Use Designated Crossings: Always use marked crosswalks and pedestrian crossings. Avoid jaywalking or crossing between parked cars.
Look Both Ways: Teach your children to look left, right, and left again before stepping into the street.
Make Eye Contact: Encourage your child to make eye contact with drivers before crossing, ensuring that the driver sees them and intends to stop.
No Distractions: Remind your children to put away phones, remove headphones, and stay alert while crossing streets.
Educating Drivers
As parents and community members, we also have a responsibility to drive safely in school zones and near bus stops:
Obey Speed Limits: School zones have reduced speed limits for a reason. Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially during school hours.
Stop for Buses: It’s not just courteous; it’s the law. When a school bus stops with its red lights flashing and the stop arm extended, traffic in both directions must stop.
Be Alert: Watch for children who may dart into the street, especially near bus stops and schools.
Avoid Distractions: Put away your phone and avoid other distractions while driving, particularly in areas where children are present.
Community Involvement
Creating a safe environment for our children is a community effort. Here are ways we can work together:
Report Concerns: If you notice dangerous intersections, poorly marked crosswalks, or other safety issues, report them to local authorities.
Volunteer: Consider volunteering as a crossing guard or joining a school safety committee.
Educate Others: Share safety tips with neighbors, friends, and family members who may not be as aware of school transportation safety.
Legal Protection and Support
Despite our best efforts, accidents can still happen. If your child is injured in a bus stop or crosswalk accident, it’s important to understand your rights and options. The personal injury lawyers at Hunt Law Firm have a proven track record of fighting for the rights of injury victims throughout New Mexico.
We understand the complexities of school transportation accidents and are committed to helping families understand the legal process while seeking the compensation they deserve.
Remember, safety is a shared responsibility, and every action we take can make a difference in protecting our community’s most precious asset—our children. Contact us today.