Safety should be on everyone’s back-to-school lists this year. Whether you’re a parent walking a child to school, a middle-schooler riding a bike, or a teen driving a car, there is an increased risk for injuries once more students hit the neighborhood streets.

Parents are key to keeping children safe. Regardless of the age of your children, you play a role in reducing crashes and incidents that result in injury or death.

Young Children

Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult. Model safe behavior by using sidewalks and crosswalks, and by putting cellphones away. Show your child how to look all ways before crossing the street, and to be alert for drivers and bicyclists.

For more information on pedestrian safety, click here.

Bicyclists

Biking is a healthy way for older kids to get to school, but parents have to reinforce safety messages. Cyclists must wear a helmet; no exceptions! Teach them to ride in the same direction as traffic, and to follow all stop signs and traffic signals. There is always increased vehicle traffic around schools, so kids need to pay special attention to cars backing out of driveways, turning corners or pulling into parking lots. School buses can block a cyclist’s view of traffic, so cyclists should keep a safe distance and pay attention to slowing or stopping buses.

For bike safety tips and information, click here.

Teen Drivers

Teen drivers are among the most susceptible for crashes, so be sure to reinforce the importance of attentive driving. Set rules – with consequences – for speeding, cell phone use, and the number of passengers allowed in a teen’s car. Make seat belts mandatory.

For advice and resources for teen drivers, click here.

Child Passenger Safety Week (9/23-9/29)

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for children. And studies show many parents – up to 80% by some estimates – make mistakes when installing or positioning car seats. It’s no wonder…car seats can be complicated to install, and the proper fit changes as the child grows.

Parents have lots of resources to help keep their kids safe and properly positioned in their car seats.

• Visit AAA.com/safeseats for more information, videos and links to find a certified child safety seat technician.
• Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website for instructions on how to install car seats, recall information, and car seat recommendations.
• Visit Safe Kids Worldwide for information and tips to keep kids safe from unintentional injuries, and view their “Ultimate Car Seat Guide.”

National Car Seat Check Saturday is September 29th. Click here to find a certified car seat technician in your area!