Back to School Safety Tips for Atlanta Area Parents

As kids in the Atlanta area head back to school, parents may be glad to get back into the school routine, however, after a long summer it may be wise for parents to refresh their memories on back to school safety. The first few days of school typically consist of hurried mornings trying to get everyone where they need to be on time. With possible procedural changes, and many new students in school each year, the process of getting your kids to and from school can be a little confusing those first few days or weeks of the school year.

In this article, the personal injury attorneys at Powell & Associates offer some back to school safety tips for Atlanta area parents to help you keep your kids safe as you get them back to school.

Know Your School’s Drop Off Procedures

If you will be driving your kids to school, it is very important to be familiar with the school’s drop off procedures, particularly at the beginning of the year. Some general rules to follow include:

  • No double parking as it impairs visibility for other motorists and pedestrians
  • Unload children in the designated drop off area only
  • Carpool whenever possible to reduce the number of vehicles traveling to the school

Share the Road Safely

Back to school brings the fleet of yellow school busses back onto the road, and adds to the number of pedestrians walking to and from school or getting on and off the school bus. Here are a few tips to help parents share the road safely and keep children safe.

  • Be aware of the yellow flashing lights that indicate a school zone and take care to stop for pedestrians in the cross walk.
  • Pay attention to crossing guards and follow their signals to stop
  • Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians
  • Obey the flashing lights and stop arm on school busses
  • When a bus has it’s stop sign up, leave at least 10 feet between your vehicle and the bus to allow children to safely board and exit the bus

Keeping Kids Safe When They’re Home Alone After School

Working parents may face the challenge of keeping kids safe at home alone after school. While it may be nerve wreaking to have your child home without an adult there are a few steps you can take to make sure they are as safe as possible.

  • Install security cameras that allow you to monitor your child from your phone
  • In case of a lost key, make sure you have a spare safely hidden
  • Have a safety plan for answering the door. Speak to your child about when it is OK to open the door when you are not home, and when it is not.

Contact Person Injury Attorneys if Your Student is Injured

If your student suffers an injury as they go back to school, or throughout the school year, that may be the fault of the school or a school employee, be sure to contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Powell & Associates for a free legal consultation. If you think you have a case, don’t hesitate to call us at 404-365-7077 or complete our online contact form.