Back to School Injuries

It’s that time of the year where parents go crazy for sales, and students are less than enthused. That’s right, It’s back to school time! As recent events unroll, parents all around the Hillsborough area and beyond are preparing for their young scholars to return to the classroom. Of course, this can be an exciting and proactive juncture, but it can also be a time of stress and accidents waiting to happen. Unfortunately, although schools’ first priority is the safety of their students, Injuries still happen and are actually quite common during back to school time. To better equip you for this hectic time we want to provide you with some frequently seen back to school injuries that may occur, and how you and your children can avoid them. Get your paper and pencils ready!

Pedestrian Accidents

When walking to and from school, make sure that you and your child are aware of your surroundings and are familiar with the schools cross-walks and pick-up/drop-off lanes. The first week back can be confusing when it comes to learning the routine, so in order for both you and your child to avoid any accidents, look both ways when crossing the road, and follow the traffic officers directions. Use the sidewalks when available and stay ALERT!

Bus Safety

The bus can be a fun way for kids to get to and from school while also hanging out with their friends, but make sure they understand the importance of bus safety. Of course, wearing your seatbelt is a no brainer, but when getting on and off the bus, kids need to listen to instructions and be aware of where the bus is, and if it’s fully stopped to avoid serious injury. School Bus injuries are more common than you think.

Car Accidents

Due to the fact that traffic is chaotic, cars can tend to drive erratically and disorderly. When Kids and parents are in a rush to get out, speed limits and traffic directions might be ignored, which can result in critical injuries to either pedestrians or other vehicles. Stay off your phones while driving, pay attention to signs and traffic lights, and follow the rules of the road.

Playground/Sport injuries

Most injuries that occur on a playground or sports field, are falls, and head injuries. Schools usually have equipment put away safely, however without the proper supervision or knowledge of how to use a certain piece of equipment, injuries can happen at any moment. Make sure that if your child is going to use any equipment or appliance, they are educated on how to use it correctly, and are confident when doing so. Additionally, each child should make sure that there is a sufficient amount of adult supervision before anything else.

If you happen to be opting in for homeschool/virtual school for your children, we encourage you to continue practicing common and recommended safety procedures while at home. During the time that students are in the classrooms, ensure that your children are well aware of mask orders and are doing their part to prevent the spread of Covid-19. We understand how life-changing an injury or disability can be to an individual and their families, so our mission is to help you receive the benefits required to get your life back on the right track. If you are in need of legal assistance or are wanting to schedule a consultation, do not hesitate to give Franco Law Firm a call at (813) 872-0929 or email rvelez@francofirm.com. Good luck, and stay safe.