Tips for Keeping Kids Safe on Their Way to School This Fall and Winter
As temperatures drop and the days get shorter, ensuring our kids are safe on their way to school becomes even more important. Whether your child walks, bikes, or waits at the bus stop, fall and winter weather conditions can add new challenges. At VanDerGinst Law, we care about our community’s safety. Here are some essential tips to help keep kids safe and warm as they head to school this season.
- Dress for the Weather
It might seem obvious, but kids often resist wearing warm layers. Make sure they leave home with a proper winter coat, hat, gloves, and scarf as temperatures drop. It’s better to dress in layers, as they can adjust based on how they feel throughout the day. Make sure their shoes have good traction for icy sidewalks, too!
- Use Reflective Gear
With shorter days, many kids are walking to school or waiting for the bus in the dark. Make sure they have reflective gear or bright clothing. Backpacks and jackets with reflective strips can help make them more visible to drivers in low light conditions.
- Stay Visible and Use Sidewalks
If your child walks or bikes to school, remind them to use sidewalks whenever possible. When there’s no sidewalk, they should walk on the edge of the road facing traffic. It’s also a good idea for them to carry a small flashlight or wear a headlamp on particularly dark mornings.
- Avoid Distractions
Kids love their phones and gadgets, but it’s crucial to stay focused on the road and sidewalks when walking or biking. Encourage them to put their phones away and remove earbuds so they can hear traffic and other potential hazards.
- Be Safe at the Bus Stop
Bus stops can be especially dangerous during the fall and winter months. Make sure kids know to stay well back from the curb while waiting for the bus and to wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. Remind them to never run to catch the bus—they should always walk calmly.
- Teach Safe Crossing Practices
Always remind your child to look both ways before crossing the street, even if it’s at a crosswalk or a traffic light. If possible, encourage them to cross streets at intersections with crossing guards. For added safety, teach them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they’ve been seen.
- Watch Out for Ice and Slippery Spots
As temperatures drop, ice can form on sidewalks, streets, and bus stop areas. Teach your kids to be cautious and take shorter steps to avoid slipping. Encourage them to watch for black ice, which can be hard to spot but is especially common in shaded areas.
- Have a Backup Plan for Bad Weather
Winter weather can be unpredictable, and buses can run late or get canceled due to snow or ice. Make sure your child knows what to do if the bus is delayed or if they need to wait longer than usual. Having a trusted adult or neighbor on standby can provide peace of mind.
Stay Safe and Warm This Season!
We hope these tips help keep your family safe and sound this fall and winter. At VanDerGinst Law, we are proud to be nationally respected and locally connected, and we care deeply about the safety of our community. If you or a loved one is ever injured, we’re here to help with no fees unless we win and a free consultation. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the season!
At VanDerGinst Law We are Honored to Help! Call 800-797-5391 or click here.
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