The Kern County Sheriff’s Office offers some advice for all parents this time of year.
Use Extra Caution when School is in Session:
As summer draws to a close, back-to-school season is in full effect. Remember to safely share the roads with school buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists – and provide children with the necessary knowledge to stay safe at school. Whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they, and the motorists around them, take proper safety precautions.
Send Kids Off to School Safely:
Injuries are common at school, but many can be prevented. Before you send your children off, be sure to hold a family meeting to run through safety topics. Discuss potential hazards that may be unique to your child’s neighborhood or school, and be sure to have open dialogue that includes “what if” scenarios complete with solutions on what your child should do if he/she is in a potentially dangerous situation. Topics to cover with your child include: • Backpack safety • Playground safety • Concussion risk from sports • Bus Safety • Head up, phone down • Bicycle Safety • Stranger and Abduction Awareness
Protect New Teen Drivers: Teen crashes spike in September as they head back to school and happen more often during hours when school begins and lets out. Make sure to discuss and practice safe driving techniques with your teen driver to keep them safe.