School Safety Tips for Lindenhurst Parents & Children

The new school year is back in full swing, but it’s never too late to ensure that the year is safe and fun for your children.

To that end, Good Samaritan Hospital has provided some back-to-school safety tips for parents and children.

Walking: Be sure to plan a route for your child. Choose the most direct way with the least amount of street crossings, and always use intersections with crossing guards. Be sure you’ve walked the route with your child at least once, and if not you, then have him/her walk with a buddy, neighbor or sibling, obeying all traffic signals and signs. Have alternate plans in case of inclement weather.

Make sure your child knows about the danger of strangers, and advise him/her to never accept gifts or rides from them. Also advise him/her to steer clear of parks, fields, lots and vacated areas.

Driving: Make sure all passengers are wearing their seatbelts or are properly seated in car safety seats. Drop children off as close to the school as possible, and watch them enter the school before leaving.

Riding a Bike: If your child rides a bike to school, then make sure he/she wears a helmet and reflective material, and minds all traffic signals and crossing guards. Have your child walk his/her bike through intersections. And when possible, have your child ride with a buddy.

Taking the Bus: Have your child arrive at the bus stop early, and make sure he/she avoids waiting in the street and watches for cars. Remind your child to stay seated during the ride, and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before exiting. Make sure your child is aware of any street traffic when exiting and crossing the street.

Backpacks: Choose a backpack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back. Always use both straps, since using only one could strain muscles and possibly increase the curvature of the spine. Organize it to use all of the compartments, packing heavier items closest to the center. A backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of your child’s bodyweight, so pack lightly.

Information was provided by , which also has a Stranger Safety Program.