Going back to school means many things: re-uniting with friends, the fun of school shopping and, of course, cracking those textbooks. But it should also mean an increased awareness of safety concerns, as students travel back and forth from school to home. No matter whether your student is on foot, on bike, riding the bus or behind the wheel, there are some important things to keep in mind.

Follow these tips for a safe start to the school year:

* Remind younger children never to accept a ride or gifts from a stranger. It’s advice that generations of kids have heard, but it’s always a good idea.

* Plan out a route for your child to get to school. Whether you walk it on foot or go for a drive, test it out before the first day of school so that your student knows where he or she is going.

* Teach your kids traffic safety. It applies, no matter how your children are getting to school. Talk to them about crosswalks (particularly for areas where there aren’t crossing guards) and traffic signals, emphasizing how important it is to obey the rules.

* If your son or daughter bikes to school, ensure that he or she wears a helmet that meets safety standards. Wearing a helmet can dramatically reduce the risk of head injury.

* Teen drivers, in particular, need guidance about safe driving practices. Address the top five driver-related factors in fatal teen driving accidents: driving too fast, running off the road, driving in the wrong lane, driving under the influence and erratic or reckless driving.

* Set rules for teen drivers. It might be tempting for teen drivers to spend time with friends after school, but setting rules about how late they can be out, who they can be with, how many people can be in the car and other factors can help them stay safe. You can find more driving tips for teens at www.allstate.com.

Preparation is the most important part of keeping your children safe as they travel to and from school. Taking the time to set out a route, establish rules and study up on traffic safety will help ensure a great start to the school year.

Courtesy of ARAcontent