Back to School Safety Tips To Prevent Personal Injury

Children across Connecticut will be heading back to school in the coming weeks. It is important to speak with them about how to stay safe getting to school and it’s important to take necessary precautions as a motorist, and to share the road with school buses, pedestrians and bicyclists. From little ones with heavy backpacks to teen drivers with the new responsibility of a car, all children are at risk for injury during the school year and can benefit from these safety tips.

1. Keep backpacks light. Backpacks should weigh no more than 10% of the child’s weight. 
2. Playground safety. Play equipment should be regularly maintained and properly protected.
3. Concussions. Nearly 6,300 Connecticut students suffered concussions during the 2017-18 school year. Children in every age group are at risk.
4. School bus safety. Children and parents should all be alert when waiting at the bus stop. While on the bus, children should not distract the driver.
5. Share the road. Make sure you give proper distance between your vehicle and the bus when the lights are flashing. 
6. Don’t walk distracted. Texting and walking is dangerous and can result in serious injury.
7. Teen drivers should be following Connecticut traffic laws and rules per the terms of their drivers license. 

The attorneys at McEnery Price Messey & Sullivan wish everyone a safe, happy, and healthy upcoming school year!