South Florida Schools Opening Back Up this Fall (Back to School Traffic Tips)

As schools in South Florida reopen this month, concerns for safety are at an all-time high. In light of COVID-19, school systems are working in conjunction with state and local authorities to ensure the safe return of students, teachers, support staff, and families.

In addition to the pandemic concerns, back to school traffic also poses safety concerns in regard to the potential for accidents and injuries involving buses, cars, bikes, and pedestrians. This year, the challenges are even greater as the 2020-2021 school year is anything but normal. With a combination of staggered schedules, part-time virtual, and in-person instruction, parents and caregivers are working hard to keep their children safe as they travel to and from school. 

With that in mind, the caring, expert team at County Line Chiropractic Medical & Rehab Centers are offering these back to school traffic tips to help. 

Tips for Safe Driving During Back to School This Fall

As students return to school with new protocols for safety in the classroom, back to school safety tips are equally important. 

Let’s explore the areas of traffic safety of special concern for students.

• School Buses – Safety of school buses is always a primary concern, given the number of students counting on buses for transportation to and from school. They are so important; they are heavily regulated and designed with safety in mind. When you are driving and approach a school bus, here is what you need to know. 
  • Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is about to stop and you should slow down (students and parents are nearby). 
  • Red flashing lights mean you should stop – a minimum of 20 feet behind the school bus (children are entering or exiting the bus). You must, by law, remain stopped until the red lights are no longer flashing, the stop-arm is retracted, and the bus is moving. Even if there are no flashing lights to guide you, if you are driving with school buses nearby, always stay alert, particularly in neighborhoods, school zones, and near bus stops. 
• Bicycles – During the pandemic, many people have become avid bike riders. If your children will be biking to a nearby school, it is important to ensure they have properly fitted helmets and know the safest route to school. Equally important is that they know the traffic rules related to bicycling – riding in the same direction as traffic, staying in marked bike lanes, following traffic signals, and not using their devices while biking. 
• Pedestrians – Whether your children will be walking to school or simply to the bus stop, you can help them stay safe. Teach them to stay on the sidewalk if available, use crosswalks properly, and always look left, right, left before crossing.

If You Are Injured in An Accident This Fall As Schools Reopen

If you are injured in an accident this fall as schools reopen, call on the chiropractors at County Line Chiropractic Medical & Rehab Centers at one of their 6 convenient locations including:

• Miami Gardens
• Pembroke Pines
• North Miami Beach
• Plantation
• Lauderhill
• East Fort Lauderdale

At each location, you will find experienced chiropractors equipped with expertise as well as state-of-the-art equipment and technology. The caring and well-qualified teams are ready to help you following your accident.