School is Back: Let’s be Safe

School is back in session with the Sate Fair now almost done here in Minnesota. Safe Kids has some great advice to keep everyone safe:

Here are some simple reminders for drivers:

• Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully

• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

• They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks

• Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars

• Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

and a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPxZKI1mfpo&feature=player_embedded

a couple of other great looks at the topic from the Injuryboard:

Speed in a North Carolina School Zone and You’ll Be Sorry, Michael Lewis | September 01, 2011 3:10 PM

Be Careful While Driving In Neighborhoods With School Starting, Scott Cooper | August 31, 2011 8:17 AM

I always found the first day to be the best part of each school year and have seen the same excitement in my own boys as I drop them off. So have fun, be safe and enjoy the start to a new year.