9 Tips for Avoiding a Serious Car Accident During the School Year

Every August, students in Warrenton will return to Fauquier County Public Schools. Pencils are sharpened, back-to-school outfits are selected, and after-school plans are made to keep your child safe.

But More Can Be Done to Protect Students Each Year

As a driver and a parent of a Fauquier County Public Schools student, there are things that you can do to help prevent a school-year car accident tragedy. Specifically, you can:

1. Put down your cell phone while driving.
2. Slow down near schools.
3. Teach your teenage drivers how to drive safely around small children.
4. Leave plenty of time for getting to the bus stop or school so that you are not rushing, speeding, or otherwise distracted.
5. Watch for buses and always obey bus signals and stop signs.
6. Discuss driving safety with your high school student. Review the dangers of using a cell phone in the car, having passengers in the car, or even eating breakfast while driving.
7. Teach your children how to wait for the bus, board the bus, and get off the bus safely.
8. Teach your children how to be responsible and safe pedestrians.
9. Accompany your children to the bus stop, walk them to school, or drive them to school if you are concerned about safety.

Even with all of these precautions, however, you may not prevent someone else’s negligence from hurting your child. If your child is hurt in a car crash on Waterloo Road, Westminster Drive, or any other road during the school year, it is important for you to protect their legal rights.