How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready To Graduate From The Booster Seat?

When you have a child, you do anything and everything in your power to keep them safe. While you are driving putting them in a car seat while you drive is one of the best ways to do that. Then, once they are too big for the car seat, a booster seat is your next line of defense against serious car accident injuries. The question is, how do you know when your child is ready to graduate from a booster seat and ride in a normal seatbelt? Let’s find out!

Booster Seats

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that booster seats reduce a child’s risk of serious injury or death during a car crash by 45 percent.

New guidelines suggest children under 4 feet 9 inches who have outgrown the child harness car seat should sit in a booster seat. 

• Shorter than 4’9 needs a booster due to the placement of the seatbelt across the chest.

• Under 13, continue to sit in the back seat even if no booster is needed due to the spine's development.

Child passenger safety laws vary by state. Be sure to check YOUR state’s requirements and the laws in the states you visit.  

Understanding New Hampshire Car Seat Laws

NH RSA 265:107-a

New Hampshire law requires that any child under eighteen riding as a passenger in a motor vehicle be secured by either a seat belt or a child safety seat and that any child under the age of seven is secured by an approved child restraint (RSA 265:107-a). It is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all child passengers are properly restrained. There are only four exceptions to this requirement. Children do not have to be restrained: (1) in taxis and buses, (2) in vehicles manufactured before 1968, (3) when they have physical conditions that prevent the use of seat belts or child safety seats, and (4) under certain special-education conditions.

If you fail to have a child passenger "buckle up," you face a first-offense fine of $50 and a second-offense fine of $100.

The best way to determine whether or not your child is ready to ride in a regular seat belt is to understand New Hampshire car seat laws. The law outlines what type of seat your child should ride in based on age and weight. Current car seat and booster seat laws are:

• Children under two years of age should ride in a rear-facing car seat.

• From 2-5 years, your child should ride in a forward-facing car seat with a chest harness. Once they are four, they can ride in a high-back booster seat.

• Children 5+ years should ride in a booster seat with a seat belt.

There is no set age for a child to move from a booster seat to a regular seat belt. However, there is a checklist you can use to determine if it’s safe to switch.

THE BOOSTER SEAT CHECKLIST

One of the first signs that your child is ready to move from the booster seat to the regular seatbelt is when the booster seat becomes uncomfortable to ride in. Before you move them, however, here are a few items you should check off:

• Do your child’s feet touch the floor comfortably?

• Does your child’s back touch the back of the seat?

• Does the seatbelt sit naturally between your child’s arm and neck?

• Does the lap belt touch your child’s thighs?

• Will your child sit in the seat without removing the belt?

If you can answer yes to these questions, you can safely move your child to a regular seat if they are over five years of age.

THE DANGERS OF NOT FOLLOWING CAR SEAT GUIDELINES

Following car seat laws is extremely important to your child’s safety. If they are not buckled in properly, they can suffer severe injuries and even death in a car accident. Some risks of not being buckled in properly include being thrown from the car, broken bones, head injuries, neck injuries, and back injuries. Here are some links to additional resources from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association:

·      Car Seat Glossary of Terms: Learn about vehicle and car seat parts and more.

·      Training Contacts by State for Child Passenger Safety: Find your state's Child Passenger Safety Training Contacts.

·      Car Seat Use After a Crash: Make sure you know the difference between a minor crash and a moderate to major one before deciding to use a car seat after a crash.

·      NHTSA’s Car Seat Recommendations for Children: Use these recommendations to help you choose the best meets your child’s needs.

·      Keeping Kids Safe - A Parent’s Guide to protecting children in and around cars: This booklet will help you better understand today’s vehicle safety features, car seats, and how to keep kids safe in and around vehicles.

·      Used Car Seat Safety Checklist: Consider using a second-hand car seat. If you can check off each of these statements, then it may be okay to use one.

Patch & FitzGerald Car Accident Attorneys In New Hampshire

If you are involved in a car accident in New Hampshire, you can rely on the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald to be there for you. They have decades of experience winning cases for thousands of people throughout the state. For a free consultation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Should I Go In The Ambulance After My Car Accident?

Riding in an ambulance is not something most people have on their bucket list. In fact, most people would be okay with never seeing the inside of an ambulance in their life. Unfortunately, however, there are times when riding in an ambulance is necessary for your health and safety.

One of the most common reasons why people have to ride in an ambulance is because of injuries after a car accident. If you are ever in a car accident, you might find yourself wondering whether or not you should get in the ambulance to receive medical care. Here, we’re going to take a look at when an ambulance ride is warranted and why taking care of yourself and making sure you’re safe is always the best decision.

When Does An Ambulance Come To A Car Accident?

Accidents occur in all ways. While some accidents are severe and cause serious injuries and major property damage, others are minor with little to no damage at all. Most of the time emergency medical care is called to the scene of an accident where there is potential for injuries. Some indicators of injuries include:

• Major property damage (unable to drive vehicles)

• Drivers/passengers trapped inside of a vehicle

• Vehicles off the road

Although the above factors are indicators of injuries, there is also the potential for injuries at a minor accident. An ambulance should always be called to an accident if:

• Any drivers/passengers are experiencing pain

• Any drivers/passengers are dizzy

• Any drivers/passengers show signs of confusion

• Any drivers/passengers are bleeding or have visible broken bones.

How Much Does An Ambulance Ride Cost?

Some car accident victims will refuse to take an ambulance to the hospital because they are afraid of the cost. The average bill for an ambulance is between $500-$2,500. When taking an ambulance it is important to understand that most health insurance policies have some coverage for such expenses. Furthermore, if you take a ride in an ambulance after an accident that was caused by another person, it is a recoverable expense.

Taking An Ambulance After A Car Accident

If you ride in an ambulance after a car accident, it not only helps to ensure that you are safe and taken care of but it also creates medical documentation of your injuries. In the future, if you need to seek compensation for the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, or pain and suffering such documentation is extremely valuable.

In New Hampshire, Patch & FitzGerald is your top source for legal representation. They will fight for you and work tirelessly to win you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a consultation with our trustworthy team, call our office at 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

What Should I Know Before I Let Someone Else Drive My Car?

Although lending out your vehicle seems like a harmless gesture, navigating who to lend it out to is confusing. Understanding the rules of the road and how your insurance policy applies in situations when you lend your car out is important to protect yourself and your assets. Here, we’re going to take a look at what you should know before you let someone else drive your car.

Why Is The Other Driver Borrowing Your Car?

If a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance asks to borrow your vehicle, the first thing you need to ask is “why?” When someone else is driving your car it is your right to know:

• Where they are going

• Who else will be in the car

• If they are transporting any cargo

• Why they need to use your car instead of their own (if they have one)

As soon as someone else gets behind the wheel of a vehicle you own and insure, you become partially liable for any damage they cause. Therefore, if you are uncomfortable with anything that person intends to use your vehicle for – you should say no.

Do You Know Their Driving History?

Any time someone asks to borrow your car, you should consider your confidence in their driving skills before you lend it out. If your friend or a family member has a driving record that includes and of the following offenses, you might want to think twice before you hand them the keys.

Red flag driving offenses:

• Speeding tickets

• DUI

• Reckless driving

• Distracted driving

Although the driving history of the person driving your car doesn’t affect you if they get pulled over, a history of serious offenses increases the likelihood that they will not act responsibly behind the wheel of your vehicle.

Will My Insurance Cover An Accident?

Insurance is one of the most confusing factors involved in letting someone else drive your vehicle. Most people believe that whoever is driving the vehicle must also carry insurance. However, that is not the case. As long as you carry an active insurance policy on your vehicle and you gave your friend/family member permission to drive it, your coverage will apply in the case of an accident.

If the driver also carries insurance, their policy will act as additional coverage if the accident causes severe personal injury or property damage above the limits of liability in your policy. Therefore, it is a good idea to ask that anyone who drives your car to have their own insurance but it is not essential.

Trust The Lawyers At Patch & FitzGerald With Your Car Accident Claims

If you or someone you know has been in a car accident in New Hampshire, you can count on the law firm of Patch & FitzGerald.  We are laser-focused on securing the best possible outcomes for our clients, swiftly, efficiently and cost-effectively. Relentless advocates, winning results!

To schedule a free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today.

Common Causes of Winter Car Accidents

Poor Visibility

Driving in a snowstorm is no easy task. High winds, big snowflakes, and blowing snow all make it difficult to see. In the worst snowstorms, visibility on the highway can be as little as 3ft. When conditions are not safe for driving, local and national weather services will issue warnings to drivers. To stay safe and prevent accidents, it is in your best interest to stay home whenever a blizzard warning is issued or little to no travel is advised.

Snow and Ice Covered Roads

Not only do snow and ice cause poor visibility, but they also make it very difficult to drive properly. When snowplows and other maintenance vehicles are unable to completely clear the roadways, slowing down, stopping, and turning are all challenging. Therefore, rear-end collisions, cars missing stop signs, and cars going off the road are common occurrences in the winter. If you must drive when conditions are poor, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to get where you need to go and put space between you and other vehicles.

Improper Tire Maintenance

Taking care of your vehicle in the winter is of the utmost importance. One of the most beneficial maintenance tasks to prevent accidents is making sure your tires are in working condition. During the winter, tires should have at least 6/32” of tread to safely handle snow and ice. Furthermore, if you live in an area where the roads are not plowed quickly or there is a lot of drifting, snow tires are a smart option.

Distracted Driving

Throughout the country, distracted driving is an issue all year round. In the winter, however, it becomes even more prevalent when more attention is required to drive. Looking away from the road for as little as two seconds to read a text message is enough to cause a deadly accident. This winter, put your phone away and focus on the road to ensure everyone makes it home for the holidays.

Completely Clean Your Car To Avoid Accidents & Tickets

No matter what steps you take to deice your vehicle, the most important thing is that you get it completely cleared of all ice and snow. This means there should be no ice remaining on your windshield, car windows, or mirrors. Likewise, there should be no snow on the hood, roof, or sides of your vehicle. It is also essential to check the area around your tires for ice and snow and clear any away before driving.

Since 2002, New Hampshire drivers are legally required to clear snow and ice off their cars before getting on the road. Driver’s who violate the law face fines of $250 to $500 for a first offense and $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

Contact The Trusted Attorneys At Patch & FitzGerald 

If you or someone you know is injured in a car accident, the legal team at Patch & FitzGerald is here to fight for you. 

At Patch & FitzGerald, we care about all of our clients and want to help you get back on your feet as soon as possible after an accident. We specialize in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases.  Our team can help you win the settlement you deserve. To schedule your free case evaluation call 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. 

3 Traffic Concerns Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest weekends of the year. Across the country, people travel far and near to visit with family, see old friends, and score great shopping deals. Unfortunately, the busy weekend is also prime time for crime in many communities. Each year, thousands of people face traffic violations and arrests instead of eating turkey.

Here, we are going to take a look at the three most common problems that can happen over Thanksgiving weekend and how you can avoid them.

DUI

During family gatherings, people feast on turkey, pie, and plenty of drink over just a few hours. After the festivities are over, they take to the road and drive home – many of them with a BAC well over the legal limit. Over the past five years, over 800 people died due to drinking and driving accidents. This holiday, if you choose to partake in alcoholic beverages at your family gathering, make a choice not to drink and drive. Uber and taxis are always available to shuttle you home.

SPEEDING

Nearly 40 million drive to their family gatherings over Thanksgiving weekend. With so many people on the road, traffic violations will inevitably occur. One of the most common traffic violations is speeding, which causes many fatal accidents over the holiday. If you choose to drive to your Thanksgiving celebration, be sure to give yourself enough time to get there safely. Traveling at the proper speed will help your family, and many others have something to be thankful for.

Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the busiest shopping day of the year. On average, over 50 million people go shopping in stores on Black Friday. According to a National Safety Council poll found that “two-thirds – 66 percent – of drivers would make phone calls while driving through a parking lot, and 56 percent would text.” Distracted walking is also a serious safety issue. With the increase in traffic in and around parking lots and parking garages during the holiday shopping season, both drivers and pedestrians need to pay close attention. Slower speeds in parking lots do not mean you are safe.

Have A Safe & Happy Thanksgiving From Patch & FitzGerald

At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you and your family to have a happy holiday weekend. While you are traveling, we advise you to take every precaution to get to and from your destination safely. However, we know you can’t control the actions of others. Therefore, if you find yourself in an accident at no fault of your own this holiday weekend, you should know we are here for you.

For over thirty years, Attorney John FitzGerald has been helping the people of New Hampshire. We understand the intricacies of the personal injury process. We can help you win the settlement you deserve for your injuries, missed work, and pain and suffering.

Call us 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. Always a free initial consultation.

5 Ways To Prepare Your Vehicle For The Cold Weather

The winter months are quickly approaching and everyone knows that means one thing – cold weather. In New Hampshire, the temperatures regularly reach below freezing from December to February. Those types of temperatures are not only uncomfortable but can pose a serious threat to your vehicles as well. This winter, use these five tips to prepare your vehicle for cold weather and avoid being a hazard on the road.

1.  Check Your Tire Pressure and Treads

When it’s snowing and sleeting, driving is dangerous. One precaution you can take to avoid accidents is to make sure you have properly maintained tires. When it gets cold, tires typically deflate causing them to lose traction. Likewise, over time, tire treads fade and make it harder for your car to grip the road. Before the cold weather hits, make sure your tires are properly inflated and that they have the right amount of tread. Most experts recommend a tire tread of 6/32”.

2.  Refill The Antifreeze and Engine Coolant

When the temperatures get low, antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing and engine coolant keeps your car from overheating when it’s working hard. Before the first snowfall, it is essential to check the levels of these substances so you don’t find yourself stranded on the side of the road.

3.  Get An Oil Change

Carmakers recommend that car owners get an oil change every 7,500-10,000 miles. However, it is always a good idea to get your oil changed no matter how long it’s been when the weather turns cold. A fresh oil change helps ensure that your car is in its best working condition when it needs to work the hardest.

4.  Create An Emergency Kit

Everyone should have an emergency preparedness kit in the backseat of their car for accidents and bad weather conditions. If its snowing and your car is stranded, it is recommended that you stay inside your vehicle so help can find you. Recommended items for emergency car kits include:

• Bottled water

• Matches

• Jumper cables

• Extra coolant

• Blanket

• Hats and gloves

• Flashlights

• Snacks

• Salt (to melt the snow)

A kit with these items will help you combat the cold weather and help you survive a situation where you are stranded.

5.  Replace Your Wiper Blades

Once it starts snowing, fresh and clean wiper blades are essential for driving. Dirty wiper blades are ineffective at clearing snow and can easily create poor visibility. If you are not able to see through the snow, sleet or ice, you are more likely to get in an accident. New wiper blades can be purchased at almost any auto parts store and you can install them yourself. Or, you can take your car to the repair shop or dealership and they will install the new blades for you.

At Patch & FitzGerald, we want you to have a safe and happy winter season. However, if the weather turns bad and you find yourself in a car accident, we’re here to help. Our attorneys are experienced in personal injury cases and can help you win the settlement you deserve. Call 630-647-2600 for a free case overview or contact us online today.

Daylight Savings Time Means Danger On The Roads And At Work

Fall back, spring ahead! Twice per year, residents on the east coast experience a shift in daily schedules as a result of daylight savings time. Daylight savings time is the manipulation of time to extend sunlight into the evening hours during the summer. This fall, as daylight savings time comes to an end, there are potential hazards you should be aware of.

Disrupted Schedules Leads To Distraction That Causes Car Accidents

According to research, there is an increase in accidents that result in injuries and death immediately following daylight savings time. One factor that contributes to the rise in accidents is the change in people’s schedules. When the time changes, people have a difficult time adapting to new daylight hours, which causes them to rush from one place to another. Likewise, changing daylight hours means visibility changes during typical commute times, which can lead to distraction.

Change in Sleep Habits Creates Difficulty For Workers

Although you get an extra hour of sleep on the first night of daylight savings in the fall, setting your clock back by an hour creates adverse changes in your sleeping habits. Many people find it difficult to fall asleep at their usual bedtime, resulting in less sleep overall. A loss of sleep means tired workers showing up on the job, which creates an increase in injuries. According to multiple studies, there is a 5.7% increase in workplace injuries after daylight savings time.

Prepare For Daylight Savings Time To Prevent Accidents & Injuries

The time change in the fall is inevitable. Therefore, it is important to address measures individuals can take to increase their safety in dangerous situations.

Here are a few recommendations for a safer daylight savings time this fall.

● Give yourself extra time to wake up in the morning.

● Gradually adjust your bedtime before the time change.

● Adjust your car headlights according to the sunlight.

● Take your time with typical daily tasks if you feel tired.

● Allow yourself time to rest.

In addition to these safety tips, it is also important to be aware of others’ actions. Just because you’ve taken the time to prepare for the time change doesn’t mean that others have. If you are aware of what’s going on around you, you can help prevent accidents of all kinds.

Trust Patch & FitzGerald With Your Personal Injury Case

If you’re involved in a car accident or work accident this fall, be sure to call upon a trusted personal injury attorney for assistance. In New Hampshire, the attorneys at Patch & FitzGerald are experienced in workers’ compensation, car accident, and other personal injury cases. At Patch & Fitzgerald, we are committed to serving you and understand what it takes to win you the settlement you deserve for your injuries and pain and suffering.

To schedule a free consultation for your case, call our office at 603-647-2600 or contact us online today. There’s no better time than now to earn the compensation you deserve, and we’re here to help.

NH Senior Drivers: What you need to know

In 2017, 28 million of the 34 million people who were 70 years of age or older and residing within the United States held a valid driver’s license. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, the number of residents who will be 70 years of age and older is expected to increase from 34 million to 53 million: The number of seniors on the road will also rise. This substantial increase in the number of elderly drivers across the nation has led to many states developing tools, special programs and resources that are designed to help people drive safer, longer. New Hampshire enforces numerous rules and regulations; however, the state claims there are no special rules placed on drivers based solely on their age.

New Hampshire Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Rules and Regulations

Although the state claims that none of their rules and regulations are based on age alone, some legal controls, including license restrictions and procedures for acquiring disability placards and plates may be particularly relevant for the senior driver.

License renewal rules for senior drivers:

• Frequency: Drivers are required to renew their licenses every five years.

• A road test: May be required. Whether an individual performs a road test or not is determined by DMV personnel at the time of his or her renewal request.

• A written test: This type of test is not usually required when applying for a renewal.

• A vision test: This test is required when applying for a renewal. This vision test is conducted by DMV personnel and there is no charge for the test. Drivers who must have a more accurate vision test performed or those who have apparent eye defects may need to have an exam conducted by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist. Individuals who require this additional testing must have it completed within 30 days of the renewal request. In addition, the report from the optometrist or ophthalmologist must be received during this 30-day timeframe.

Potential Restrictions

When necessary, the department of motor vehicles can place conditions or restrictions on an individual’s license. These restrictions would be placed after a driving test is administered and the potential restrictions are discussed with the individual.

When it comes to restrictions for older drivers, wearing corrective contact lenses or glasses while driving is the most common requirement.

Other common requirements imposed on older drivers by the New Hampshire DMV include:

• Night restrictions — daylight driving only.

• Outside mirrors required on the vehicle.

• The vehicle must have an automatic transmission.

• The mandatory use of a prosthetic aid while driving.

• The vehicle must have an appropriate mechanical aid.

Obtaining License Plates or Parking Placards for Disabled Drivers

Obtaining disability plates and/or placards requires that the individual’s impaired mobility is certified by a licensed medical practitioner.

These disability plates and placards are designed for an individual who:

• Is unable to walk without the assistance of a crutch, cane or some other type of assistive device, which includes the help of another person.

• He has a severe cardiac condition.

• Uses a portable oxygen tank.

• She has severe lung disease.

• Has an orthopedic, neurological or arthritic condition that severely limits his or her ability to walk.

Steps for obtaining a disability plate and/or placard:

1. Complete the Application for Walking Disability Privileges.

2. Have your medical provider fill out the Medical Provider Information section of the form.

3. Make a copy of your vehicle’s current registration.

4. If you are applying for a disability plate, complete the Application for Vanity Plates form.

5. Permanently disabled persons and travel placards are complimentary; however, temporary placards are not.

6. Include the required fees.

7. Mail everything to the address of the Walking Disability office listed on the form.

Requesting an Unsafe Driver Investigation in the State of New Hampshire

In New Hampshire, there is no formal process for reporting potentially dangerous drivers; therefore, if you have a specific concern about an individual driver, contact the DMV’s main office at 603-227-4000.

Reinstating Your License

The reason that your driver’s license was suspended or revoked determines which procedures are required to have it reinstated. An experienced, New Hampshire attorney can assist you as you work towards reinstating your driver’s license.

Why Distracted Walking is More Dangerous Than You Think

Look outside your home, office, or car window, and you’re bound to see people walking to and from their destinations with phone in hand. While it might seem far less dangerous than using your phone while driving, distracted walking is just as much of a problem, especially when it comes to your safety. Whether you’re listening to music, texting, or scrolling through a social feed, using your phone while walking distracts you the same way it does while driving – and the result can be deadly.

Looking at the numbers released from the Governors Highway Safety Association, 6,277 pedestrians were killed in 2018, which was 250 more than the previous year. Of course, not all these fatalities were caused by distracted walking, but the fact that the numbers are steadily rising each year (along with phone use) does show a definite correlation between the two.

Cities across the United States are looking for ways to curb the problem, some cities going as far as completely banning texting while walking, like the town of Fort Lee in New Jersey. New York City has attempted to lower the speed limit in crowded areas to help pedestrians safely cross the street. Across the pond, London has placed soft padding on lamp posts on busy streets to help prevent accidents that happen when distracted walkers run face-first into the massive metal structures. Unfortunately, most of these efforts are proving unsuccessful as the real issue is convincing walkers that they need to be paying attention to their surroundings, rather than constantly looking at their screens.

While some of the accidents that are caused by distracted walking aren’t serious, some of them really are. Not only are broken bones and concussions on the rise with pedestrians, but other injuries, including brain trauma and spinal cord damage, have become more commonplace on the streets because of the rise of cell phone use. And, when struck by a car because of distracted walking, the result can be fatal.

According to scientists, distracted walking is a form of “inattentive blindness,” which is a result of the human brain being able to only focus on one thing at a time. If you’re using your phone while walking or running, you really can’t pay attention to your surroundings simultaneously, even if you feel like you are.

Even with reports showing a steady increase in distracted walking injuries, there are still plenty of injuries that go unreported each day simply because people are too embarrassed to admit how they got hurt. That means that even when people go to the hospital with broken bones caused by distracted walking, there’s a good chance that it doesn’t get reported as such.

Just as it is with driving, the best way to avoid injuries caused by distraction is simple: Pay attention. Recognizing that there’s something more important needing your attention (whether walking or driving safely) is the only way to be sure that you don’t injure yourself – or others – while getting from Point A to Point B.

6 Ways Drivers Can Keep Children Safe This School Year

With back-to-school to-do’s on nearly everyone’s brain, it will just be a matter of weeks before the majority of school-aged kids find themselves back in class. But for drivers, it’s the getting safely to class that’s important.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is urging motorists to exercise caution and follow State laws when approaching a school bus or school crossing.

Keeping students safe at bus stops, on buses, and heading to and from school is important. And, considering how distracted so many drivers are today, it’s more critical than ever. Just one wrong decision can lead to an accident, one that could forever change a young student’s life.

So, when getting behind the wheel this school year, especially while in neighborhoods, around schools, or school zones, remember these safe driving tips:

1. Obey Drop-Off Rules. Each school has very specific drop-off rules designed to keep children safe. No matter how rushed you might be, always obey these rules. In general, all school zones require that you never double park (it reduces visibility) and that you never load or unload children across the street from a school.

2. Watch for Pedestrians. Students often walk to and from school, which makes keeping an eye out for pedestrians during the school year super important. Remember to never block the crosswalk with your vehicle and to always stop and yield to pedestrians when school zone lights are flashing.

3. Obey Crossing Guards. Crossing guards volunteer their time to help keep children in our communities safe. Help them do their jobs by obeying them at all times, especially when they are holding up a stop sign.

4. Look for School Buses. When you come across a stopped school bus, whether coming from the other direction on a street or behind one, never pass it. Passing a stopped school bus puts children, especially small children under the age of seven, at risk. When you see a school bus with flashing lights or the stop sign arm extended, you must always stop. And when you do, stay at least ten feet away to help create a safe zone for children.

5. Slow Down. Whether school zones are flashing or not, you should always slow down and use extreme caution when driving by schools. Students leave at all times of the day for a variety of reasons, making it important that you stay alert and focused. Never speed past or around a school, even if you don’t see any children present.

6. Look for Children. Kids get to school in a variety of ways, including skateboards and bicycles. In your neighborhood, especially before and after school, there’s a good chance kids will be walking down the street and on the sidewalks, which means using extra precaution when turning and pulling out of driveways is essential for keeping everyone safe.

One of the best pieces of advice you can keep in mind as school gets ready to start again this year is to “drive like you would want others to drive,” Especially when they’re around your kids. And, above all, don’t let yourself get distracted when you’re behind the wheel.