More back to school safety tips from expert

Cars hit more children in September than any other month.. Purnima Unni, Pediatric Trauma Injury Prevention Program manager can talk about bus safety and pedestrian safety.

More back to school safety tips from Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Another summer is coming to a close. The change in routine is a dangerous time in neighborhood streets for children and drivers. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, cars hit more children in September than any other month.

Bus Safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests these safety tips in and around school buses.

• Children should walk where they can see the bus driver; which means the driver is also able to see them.
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
• Watch that no traffic is coming before crossing the street.
• If your child's school bus has lap or shoulder seat belts, children must use one at all times inside the bus.

Pedestrian Safety

• Distracted driving is at an all-time high. Try to make eye contact with drivers before you step into the road. Stay on the alert by removing headphones and turning off handheld electronics when crossing the street.li>Stop walking and stand in a safe area away from traffic when using the phone.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions that small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic.
• Consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision. When ready, make sure it is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
• Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• The safest place to cross is at a street corner or intersection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 70 percent of fatal pedestrian injuries occurred at non-intersections.
• Teach children to look left right left before crossing a street.
• Bright colors and reflective material for clothing and backpacks help drivers see children.

Driver Safety

• Be mindful of school zones that were empty over the summer. It takes time to get back in the habit of watching for children going back to school.
• Driving distracted is always dangerous, especially in school zones. Keep your mind, eyes, and hands on the task of driving. If something needs your attention, pull over to a safe area away from traffic.
• Approach stop signs, crosswalks, and intersections fully alert for children walking to school.
• Do not stop with any part of your car over the crosswalk. Blocking the crosswalk forces pedestrians into danger zones as they walk around your vehicle.