Schoolkids Need to Be Extra Cautious in September - East Idaho News
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Schoolkids Need to Be Extra Cautious in September

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GETTY 082014 schoolcrossing?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1408542058023iStock/Thinkstock(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) — The end of summer means the start of school, and September is when most younger children head back to class. While it’s an exciting time, Safe Kids Worldwide reports it’s also the month that the most children are struck by automobiles, largely because of distractions.

Vanderbilt University Medical Center experts recommend a variety of precautions that parents can undertake to help ensure their youngsters’ safety.

First and foremost, children need to be taught to make eye contact with motorists before stepping off the curb, while also turning off all digital devices. If the kids have cellphones, they should only use them in an area away from traffic.

Another important reminder for parents whose children might be old enough to walk to school themselves is to go over a safe route that has crossing guards at every intersection. Even then, children should also be versed on all pedestrian safety rules.

Motorists are cautioned as well to slow down before reaching all stop signs, crosswalks and intersections, while remembering that cars stopping inside crosswalks may force kids into danger zones.


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