Ensuring Your Families Safey Beyond Insurance: Part 6: Back to School

By: Mary Thompson, Capstone Brokerage President, September 14, 2016

Well we have survived the first few weeks of back to school. Many children and parents may need to rethink safety when it comes to school time. Does your child walk to school, ride the bus, bike, or get dropped off? However your child gets to school, discussing back to school safety is a must.

Back to school safety topics to discuss with your children.

1. Cross the street ONLY in a crosswalk.

Children need to be reminded of this often. They are short and a car may not see them when speeding down a street. Make sure to talk to your child about crossing ONLY at designated cross walks when the walk signal is on or the crossing guard directs them to cross.

2. Never go home with anyone unless it has been discussed prior.

Stanger danger should be discussed with children from a young age. Remind children never to talk to someone they don’t know and NEVER accept a ride from ANYONE. There are bad people in this world and children need to know how to properly handle this situation. Say no, even if they now your name, say mom or dad told them to pick them up, or they offer to give them something like candy, a toy, etc.

3. When waiting for the bus, stay in a group and try not to be alone. Also practice safety on the bus.

Typically a bus driver will explain the rules the first week including staying in your seat, and using quiet voices. Remind them that they are not to talk to anyone at the bus stop aside from their classmates. Remind them to wait to cross the road until the bus diver motions for them to go and the guard and stop sign are both out.

4. If you walk or bike to school be sure to go over safe bike riding rules

Remind children to stay in the bike lane, on the side walk, and to walk their bikes across streets.

5. Remind children who is authorized to pick them up.

Most schools require a parent to set up a designated approved pick up list. Share this information with your child. If there are ever changes to their normal routine tell them ahead of time so that way they know what to expect and are never left in a situation where they are questioning their after school plans.

6. Remember to reteach them phone numbers and addresses.

Often children forget over the break these simple facts. Remind them where they live and how to contact you.
As a parent or adult there are also back to school safety reminders for you personally. Take note of school zones, crosswalks and children in route to school.

1. Never illegally pass a bus.

Failing to yield to a school bus and passing illegally not only puts children in danger, but can also drastically affect your car insurance. There are some tickets that simply raise your insurance because insurance companies deem those infractions to be negligent and your insurance company may deem you an unsafe driver.

2. Obey the cross walk rules

Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right-of-way in a cross walk. The fines associated with disobeying this simple rule can cost you up to $1500 in some states. Obey the rules, and avoid a hefty ticket.

3. Drive the speed limit posted in school zones

Be sure to avoid speeding in a school zone. A speeding ticket in a school zone gives you 3 times the points on your driver’s license and comes with a hefty fine. Be smart, and slow down. Your automobile insurance premium will go up drastically if you have a speeding ticket in a school zone. Car insurance rates can rise hundreds of dollars.

The start of the school year means the return of school-related traffic troubles. It’s time again to look out for school buses, crossing guards, and traffic around busy school areas. School-related driving infractions can result in heavy fines and can have an even bigger impact on car insurance quotes. Remind your children of simple school safety and practice what you preach. For more information about how these infractions will affect your insurance coverage and premium, contact your insurance broker.