Back to School Tips

As the calendar turns to August, we are quickly approaching the start of a new school year. While most kids are cringing, and many parents are counting down the days, the truth is, there is a lot of excitement associated with the start of classes. However, that excitement can also lead to some dangerous situations. Here are several reminders on how to stay safe as school starts from the National Safety Council (www.nsc.org)

Safe Driving:

• Pay extra attention at crosswalks and around schools and playgrounds for kids walking to and from school.
• Don’t stop in a crosswalk while waiting for a red light or stop sign
• Yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk
• Slow down
• Avoid distracted driving—don’t text or talk on a cell phone and avoid other distractions that may take your eyes or attention from the road
• Never pass a school bus with its lights flashing
• Stop at least 25 feet away from a stopped bus, and wait for the children to be safely on the sidewalk before proceeding

Safe Walking:

• Always cross at a crosswalk
• Always use the sidewalk—if there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road, facing oncoming traffic
• Don’t text and walk—be aware of your surroundings
• Don’t wear headphones

At School:

• Don’t double park
• Always drop off on the school-side of the street
• Be alert for opening doors/kids hopping out without looking

Teen Drivers

• Don’t speed & always wear your seat belt
• Avoid distractions while driving
  • Texting, Snapchatting, eating, talking, messing with the radio
• Parents-create groundrules for:
  • Who & how many riders can your teen have
  • When & where they can drive
  • When & how to safely use a cell phone while in a car (pull over and park)
  • Set consequences if any of these are not followed
• School Permits
  • Check with school & state for specifics
  • Typically between 5 a.m. & 10 p.m.
  • To get to and from school for classes or extra curriculars
  • Be sure to add your teen as a driver on your insurance policy

Off to College

• Enjoy your new found freedom responsibly
  • Don’t binge drink
  • Remember to sleep regularly
  • Focus on your schoolwork (the reason you’re at college!)
• Insurance Concerns
  • Dorms—typically can be covered on a parent’s homeowners policy (ask your agent to determine if this is accurate)
  • Apartments—typically required to have a renters insurance policy (ask your agent for options and pricing)
  • Be sure to take an inventory of items you have, in the case of a claim (fire, theft, etc.)
  • Each situation is unique, so always check with your insurance agent to determine what coverage is best for your situation