As the new school year approaches, Atlanta parents should know the dangers their kids face while traveling to and from school. Every year, countless accidents occur involving children who get hit by cars or buses, suffer playground injuries, or suffer from assault by other students.
The 5 Common Types of Back-to-School Accidents
- Falls – Slip and fall accidents are common during the back-to-school season. Whether tripping over a backpack or slipping on a wet floor, these accidents can lead to severe injuries, such as fractures and sprains.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – With more kids on the roads during the morning and afternoon rush hours, motor vehicle accidents are also more common during this time of year. Children can suffer serious and fatal injuries when car drivers do not recognize them on the road. They can get hit by a car crossing the street, exiting a school bus, or riding their bikes to school.
- Sports Injuries – With kids participating in after-school sports programs, there is an increased risk for sports-related injuries. Common injuries include fractures, sprains, and concussions.
- Playground accidents – Kids are also more likely to get hurt on the playground during the back-to-school season. Teachers and school administrators must supervise your child while playing and ensure they’re using the equipment properly.
- Bullies – Unfortunately, bullying is more common during the back-to-school season. If your child suffers from bullying, be sure to talk to their teacher or school administrator so they can take steps to stop it.
While many of these accidents are unavoidable, parents can take steps to help keep their kids safe. Here are some tips:
- Make sure your child knows the safe route to and from school, and remind them to stay alert and aware of their surroundings.
- Inspect your child’s backpack and make sure it’s not too heavy or overloaded. This can cause back and shoulder pain, as well as increase the risk of falls.
- Discuss with your child what to do if a stranger ever approaches them. They should know to never go off with someone they don’t know, no matter their promises.
- If your child rides a bike or scooter to school, make sure they wear a helmet to prevent catastrophic head injuries.
- Make sure your child walks or rides their bike on the sidewalk.
By following these simple tips, parents can help reduce the risk of their child getting hurt in a back-to-school accident.
School Bus Accidents in Atlanta
As parents send their kids back to school, they may not be thinking about the dangers of the school bus ride. But every year, there are many accidents involving school buses.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 13,000 accidents involving school buses in 2018. Of those accidents, there were 283 fatalities and more than 8,000 injuries.
Most of those killed in school bus accidents are not bus occupants. In fact, of the 283 people who lost their lives in 2018, only 3 were occupants of the bus. The other 280 people killed were pedestrians, cyclists, or passengers in other vehicles.
So what can parents do to keep their kids safe? The NHTSA offers a few tips:
- Teach your kids to always look both ways before crossing the street, even if they’re exiting a school bus.
- Teach them to wait for it at a safe distance from the road and never try to chase after it if they miss it.
Make sure your child knows their home address and phone number in case they need to call for help.
- Talk to your child about what to do if they see something suspicious on the bus or at their bus stop.
Riding a school bus is safer when children take the proper precautions at bus stops and intersections.
Contact Our Experienced Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers
If your child gets hurt in an accident while walking to school, riding a bus, or playing at school, we can help. Not all injury accidents result from negligence, but when someone else’s carelessness causes your child pain – you can hold them accountable. Our law firm offers FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can get the answers you need – when you need them. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we win your case! Just call and JUST WIN.
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