By admin on August 5, 2019

The Transportation Research Board reports that 25,000 children are injured every year in school zone accidents. But children account for only one of five school zone accident victims. The majority of pedestrians who are hit by a vehicle in a school zone are adults. School zone accidents have decreased in recent years for children under the age of 12, probably due to the rigorous enforcement of traffic laws in school zones. The death rate has increased, however, for children who are older than 12. That’s probably due to the fact that more kids are using electronic devices while walking when they should be watching the road. This is why it’s very important to be aware of these laws as well as limiting cell phone usage during the school season.

Our children need protection and safety rules, as well as laws, have been put in place to do just that. As parents, we already have a huge responsibility already to protect our children, and at times, we need a reminder on what the best practices are during the school season while children are more active in transit to and from school every day.

Whether you are a driver passing through school zones, a parent that has a car rider, or the parent of children that ride the bus, here are some great tips and reminders about safety and the laws that you need to know if you witness anyone breaking them. Help be a voice in safety in the Toledo, Ohio community and surrounding areas.

Public School Calendars in Toledo, Ohio

School is ready to begin, and you can visit tps.org to find your school’s calendar of events and other information. You can also get a quick glance of holidays and other dates for the year 2019-2020 here.

School Bus Safety Tips

Children riding the bus to school should learn and practice a few safety rules for getting on and off the bus.

1. Get to the bus stop early. Do not run to the bus.
2. Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before walking toward it.
3. If crossing the street, wait for a signal from the bus driver.  Look both ways to make sure there is no moving traffic from either direction.
4. Always cross in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
5. If the bus has lap and shoulder belts, use them.
6. Once the bus is in motion, remain in your seat.
7. If the window is open, keep your arms and head inside the bus at all times.
8. Do not stand up to get off the bus until it has completely stopped.
9. Only get off the bus at your assigned spot.

Walking Safety

1. Children should only walk to school alone if they are old enough and ready to make the walk safely.
2. Children are not ready to walk to school without an adult until they are at least 10 years old.
3. Walk with your young kids to the bus stop and wait with them until it arrives. Make sure drivers can see the kids at your bus stop.
4. Teach kids to wait for the school bus to come to a complete stop before getting off and not to walk behind the bus.
5. Younger kids cannot be trusted to make smart traffic choices on their own.
6. Plan and practice a safe walking route with your child until they know it well.
7. Use streets with sidewalks, crosswalks and crossing guards. Avoid as many intersections as possible.
8. Have children walk with a friend or in a group.
9. Talk to your child about what to do if they are approached by a stranger.

Safety Tips for Drivers

1. Drivers should be aware of children walking to school or to the bus stop. Everyone can follow a few safety tips to help kids get to school safely.
2. When backing out of the driveway, watch for children walking to school or to a bus stop.
3. On streets without crossing guards, watch out for children trying to cross the street.
4. Be careful on the streets without sidewalks or streets with on-street parking. It might be hard to notice a child behind a car.
5. Be alert. Children may dart into the street without looking.
6. Drivers should follow the speed limit and slow down in school zones and near bus stops. Remember to stay alert and look for kids who may be trying to get to or from the school bus.
7. Slow down and stop if you’re driving near a school bus that is flashing yellow or red lights. This means the bus is either preparing to stop (yellow) or already stopped (red), and children are getting on or off.

If you’re looking for some dissected detailed statistics here are some from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on School-Transportation-Related Crashes 2009-2017 Data.

There are several other resources for special needs children. Hope Learning Academy of Toledo is committed to serving the child with mild learning disabilities; mild social disabilities, or the child who is struggling in the large classroom setting. For children that are attending public schools here is some information to help you take those steps to get them what they need.

Central Collision cares greatly about the safety of our community and its children as well as the safety of our customers.

If you need quality collision repairs, call Central Collision at 419.841.2525 or stop by the shop Monday through Friday between 8 am to 5 pm, 7939 West Central Avenue, Toledo, OH  43617.