With backpacks and pencil boxes loaded with new school supplies ready to go, children across Missouri will be heading back to school in the next few weeks. Although it seems like only a short time since students were released for the summer, we could all use a refresher course on how to stay safe, both in and around schools.
Obviously, traffic safety is an important topic. Those iconic yellow busses travel hundreds of miles a day, picking up and dropping off precious cargo. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traveling by school bus is almost seven times safer than traveling by regular vehicle. While an average of 30,000 fatalities a year occur involving cars or trucks, only an average of six school-age children die as bus passengers. However, keep in mind that a little extra caution can go a long way. Make sure you slow down in residential areas. Take a few moments to watch for children in the roadways, on medians, and even on curbs. Reduce your driving distractions even further by putting down the cell phone while you drive.
Don’t forget to talk to children about their responsibilities as good students, as well. Remind them to always cross streets at corners or intersections and to never run out into the street or cross the roadway between parked cars. Also, make sure they know to always walk in front of bus and to walk far enough out from the bus that the driver can see them. It’s up to parents to make sure children have the knowledge and tools to act appropriately and make good decisions.
Traffic safety, however important, is not the only kind of safety to think about. There is no question that when 20 children are in one classroom, you can bet illnesses will spread quickly. One small task that can help minimize the spread of most illnesses is the simple act of hand washing. Make sure kids know the proper technique, using soap and warm water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. That’s as simple as singing two verses of “Happy Birthday” in your head while scrubbing. Every kindergartener knows that song, and it might make washing up more fun.
Don’t forget annual immunizations and flu shots. Having a sick kid at home is never fun. Getting students in to see their doctors before school starts can go a long way toward making sure they don’t miss school due to illness. On the other hand, if your child is ill with a fever and you suspect something more than allergies, keep him or her at home. You don’t want to chance kicking off a school-wide epidemic, similar to the virulent flu strain we saw go through many school districts last school year.
Our children are our most precious possessions, and their education is the most important gift we can give to them. With a few simple steps, we can make sure that all the future leaders of tomorrow enjoy the journey of the school day. If you have any questions or would like more information on bus safety, please visit the Missouri Department of Transportation School and Bus Safety page or SafeKids, USA. For health-related questions, check the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services website.
As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.
Senator David Pearce serves Bates, Cass, Johnson and Vernon counties in the 31st State Senatorial District.
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