It is the season for first-day-of-school photos, new pencils, and school shopping. School starts on Aug. 13 for students in Naples and Collier Counties. For kids in Fort Myers and Lee Counties, the first day back is Aug. 12 (as is much of the state of Florida).
The start of a new year creates an opportunity for parents to talk to their kids about essential safety tips that could help them prevent injuries to themselves and others. As personal injury lawyers, we want to share the most helpful information we can.
School Bus Safety
Riding the school bus is a significant part of many students’ daily routines. Teach your child the following safety tips:
- Instruct your child to stand at least five steps away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
- They should wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before getting on or off; they should also always look left and right before crossing the street.
- Once on the bus, they should stay seated and keep their belongings out of the aisle.
- Remind them that the area around the bus is a “danger zone.” They should never walk behind the bus and be aware of the driver’s visibility.
Road Safety for Walkers & Bikers
Florida has unique road conditions that require extra caution. Discuss these road safety basics with your child:
- Encourage them to use sidewalks wherever available and to walk facing oncoming traffic if no sidewalk is present.
- Teach your child to cross only at crosswalks and to look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
- If your child rides a bike, ensure they wear a helmet and follow traffic rules, such as signaling turns and stopping at stop signs. They should ride on the right side of the road and use bike lanes whenever possible.
Emergency Contact Information
Children need to know how to reach out for help in emergencies. Make sure they can:
- Recite their phone number or have it written down somewhere accessible. We recommend helping your child memorize their phone number and any vital family contact numbers.
- Tell a police officer or other emergency personnel your address. If they’re old enough—and especially if they are walking or riding a bike to school—they should also know their home address, including the city and the name of their neighborhood.
Healthy Habits to Encourage
Promoting healthy habits is essential for your child’s overall well-being. Encourage them to:
- Remind them to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially in Florida’s heat.
- Teach them to wash their hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the restroom.
- Instill the “See Something, Say Something” mentality, encouraging them to report suspicious activity or concerns to a trusted adult.
Good Mantras to Share with Your Kids
Empower your children with positive affirmations and mantras that promote safety and self-worth. Here are a few to share:
- “Your words matter.” Remind them that their voice is powerful and can make a difference.
- “Safety is a choice.” Emphasize that they have the power to make safe decisions every day.
- “Be aware, stay safe.” Encourage mindfulness of their surroundings.
If You Need Our Help, We’re Here
We hope the new school year brings you much health and growth, but if an accident occurs, our Florida personal injury attorneys in Marco Island and Naples can help. Call 239-649-6555 or contact us online for a consultation.
F. Scott Pauzar, III