As the summer winds down and children prepare to head back to school, it is important to prioritize safety, especially on Ontario roads. Increased traffic and young pedestrians navigating new routines and unfamiliar routes increase the risk of accidents. With this in mind, parents and motor vehicle drivers must focus on our collective responsibility to keep children safe.

This blog post will provide essential safety tips for families and drivers in Ontario to ensure a safe and successful back-to-school season.

Shifting Focus in September

As a new school year approaches, it is time to start thinking about safety. With children returning to classrooms, playgrounds, and school buses, there are several potential hazards to be aware of for all road users. Rules of the road are necessary to keep everyone safe, as improper driving in a school zone could result in serious injuries and consequences for the at-fault driver. Therefore, Ontario drivers must pay close attention as the roads and communities become more populated this fall. Things such as failing to obey school crossing signs, speeding in school zones or passing a school bus that is stopped for children are all major offences and can easily be prevented by using common sense and driving carefully within the law.

Safety Tips for Families

• Walk Safely: It is important to teach your children to use designated crosswalks and sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing traffic to see approaching vehicles.
• Practice Safe Routes: Before the first day of school, it is helpful to walk or bike to school with your child a few times to familiarize them with the route. These practice runs can also help identify potential hazards and explain to your children how to get to and from school safely. It is also important to model safe pedestrian behaviour for your children by always following traffic rules and crossing at designated areas.
• Wear Reflective Clothing: Encourage your child to wear bright, reflective clothing, especially during low-light or poor weather conditions, to increase their visibility.
• Talk About Safety: Discussing traffic safety with your children regularly and emphasizing the importance of being aware of their surroundings and following traffic signals can help children gain confidence and navigate the roads safely.

School Bus Safety

• Wait at the curb: Children should wait at the curb at the designated bus stop, away from traffic, when waiting for the school bus. Drivers may not see children who are standing in the bus’s blind spots.
• Do not chase the bus: If your child misses the bus, ensure that they know not to try to chase after it. It can be helpful to have a plan in place for alternative arrangements in the event that this occurs.

Walking to School

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks: Children should always use sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. Teach your children to cross the street at designated crosswalks with crossing guards, flashing lights or other safety features whenever possible.
• Make eye contact with drivers: Before stepping out to cross the street, it is important to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
• Be aware of your surroundings: It is crucial to teach your children to be aware of their surroundings and avoid distractions like cell phones during the walk to and from school. It is also important to review a safety plan with them in the event that they encounter a potential danger.

Bicycle Safety

• Wear a helmet: Helmets are essential for preventing head injuries and concussions in the event of an accident.
• Follow traffic rules: Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists.
• Be visible: Wear bright clothing while riding a bike and use reflectors when riding at night.
• Check your bike regularly: Make sure your bike is in good working condition and conduct regular maintenance and equipment checks.
• Ride defensively: Be aware of your surroundings while on a bike, including paying attention to other road users. It is important to be prepared to react quickly to unexpected situations.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Be Patient: Drivers must exercise patience and caution around schools, especially during drop-off and pick-up times. With additional vehicles and pedestrians on the road, planning your trip accordingly and leaving sufficient time to get to your destination is important.
• Obey School Zones: Drivers must adhere to school zone speed limits and be prepared to stop for pedestrians. It is important to be alert when driving through school zones and pay attention to stop-and-go traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and buses.
• Watch for Children: Be extra vigilant when driving in areas where children may cross the street, such as near schools, parks, playgrounds and community centres.
• Avoid Distractions: Drivers must not engage in distracted driving. Putting away your phone and focusing on driving can minimize the risk of an accident.

By following these safety tips and seeking legal guidance, families and drivers can help create a safer environment for children as they return to school.

The Role of Personal Injury Lawyers

If your child is involved in a pedestrian, cycling or playground accident, consulting with a personal injury lawyer is essential to protect their rights and learn about your options for compensation. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you from the outset of your claim by explaining the role of a litigation guardian, collecting evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements and building a strong case on your child’s behalf. Your lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies and advocate for fair compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. A lawyer can also represent you in court to pursue your claim if necessary.

Final Thoughts on Back-to-School Safety

Safety is a priority for parents, students and drivers during the school year. Following these tips and being aware of potential hazards can help ensure a safe and enjoyable school year.

If your child is injured in a school-related accident or is the victim of bullying or abuse, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. A lawyer can also represent you in any legal proceedings if there are grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.

Contact Tierney Stauffer LLP for Skilled Representation in Personal Injury Claims and Pedestrian Accidents

The skilled personal injury lawyers at Tierney Stauffer LLP represent individuals who have been injured in pedestrian accidents, including those who have suffered injuries due to negligent operators of automobiles and motorcycles. If you or your child have been injured due to a collision with a vehicle, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Our personal injury team will work to help you recover the compensation you deserve after an accident. To arrange an initial consultation with one of our team members, contact us by phone at 1-888-799-8057 or reach out to us online.