The nation has been slowly opening up since this year’s nationwide shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Parents and children are nervous to see how the reopening of the nation’s schools will go, as more and more vehicles will be on the roads in Nevada and elsewhere. When it comes to traffic accidents, it is important to find ways to help your kids stay safe when they are in the care of another driver. Below is information regarding child safety measures and school buses to help you and your family prepare for the return to school.
Child Safety Measures
If you have a child who is returning to school and will be riding the school bus, there are several things parents and children can do to stay safe. It is important for you to help your child master these important tips:
- Be there early: If you are running and scrambling to get your kids to the bus stop, you will likely be less cautious than usual. Instead, be sure that you and your child are five minutes early to the bus stop to avoid a last minute rush that could lead to bad or hasty decisions.
- Stay away from the street: When you are standing waiting for the bus to arrive, be sure to keep a safe distance from the street. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you are at least five steps away from the curb.
- Be patient and wait: While your little one may be eager to jump on the bus to see friends, remind them that they need to wait until the bus has come to a complete and full stop and after the driver has instructed to start loading before they can get on the bus.
- Be sure to face forward: Talking to friends on the ride to and from school is fun, however, the bus’s safety design works best when the children are facing forward and sitting with their bottoms on the seats. In the event of an accident, you want your child to be as safe as possible.
- Exiting safely matters: All students should stay firmly seated in their seats until the bus driver instructs them to do otherwise. Not only does this keep the children physically safe, but it also helps maintain order.
- Cross carefully: Bus drivers should leave the bus’s stop-arm out if students need to cross in front of the bus after exiting the vehicle. Because not all motorists are careful or follow the rules, all students should know to look right, left, and right again to make sure that there is no oncoming traffic before crossing the street.
If Your Child is Hurt
It is true that school bus-related injuries are uncommon; in fact, they are rare. Because these accidents do happen, you should immediately contact a personal injury attorney if your child is hurt in a bus accident in Nevada. The experienced attorneys at H&P Law will fight for your loved one, and seek the best possible outcome. We are familiar with the changing laws governing personal injury accidents, and we will help you get the compensation you deserve to help your child and family recover from this difficult time.
