Now that children have headed back at school, the reality is this month is one of the busiest of the year for local emergency rooms.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year, emergency departments treat more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger for playground-related injuries.
Not only are many broken bones treated as a result of playground accidents but more serious injuries caused by children getting hit by cars.
Children are excited about the start of school any many have back-to-school jitters and are not paying full attention. More school-age pedestrians have been killed during the hour before and after school than any other time of day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Although drivers are required by law to stop for a school bus when it’s loading or unloading passengers, they often don’t. Children should be aware of this.
Emphasize to your child school bus safety. The National Safety Council recommends:
- When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness
- Line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches
- Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus
- If seat belts are available on the bus, buckle up
- Don’t speak loudly or make loud noises that could distract the driver
- Stay in your seat
- Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window
- Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat
- Use handrails
If you or someone you care about has been injured, contact Rosenberg & Gluck, personal injury attorneys, for a free, confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.
