Safety Tips For Kids Walking And Biking To School

New Haven students are officially back in school. In 2009, 14% of students ages 5-14 walked or biked to school opposed to 48-50% in previous years. If your child walks or bikes to school, here are some tips to prevent a New Haven personal injury.

• Cyclists must obey motor vehicle laws. That includes yielding to pedestrians, stopping for stop signs, signaling turns and traveling with the flow of traffic.
• Wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets significantly reduce the chance of brain injury. It should be snug, but not too tight, with the brim about an inch to an inch and a half above your child’s eyebrows.
• They’re more likely to be seen if they’re wearing bright clothes. They should also make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
• Look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Continue looking in each direction as you cross.
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there aren’t sidewalks, walk toward oncoming traffic, so you can see what’s coming.
• Use crosswalks to cross the street, and don’t cross the road between parked cars.
• Be alert. Having your eyes on your smartphone means they aren’t on the road, or traffic. Headphones aren’t the best idea, either.

The New Haven personal injury lawyers at The LoRicco Law Firm with every student a safe walk or ride to and home from school!