Richard A. DiPatri

Communication with your child can help prevent tragedy By Richard A. DiPatri Helpless. That’s the way we feel when we hear about the tragic death of a student because of a fatal car or bicycle accident. Unfortunately, here in Brevard we have seen far too many of these tragedies in recent months. As educators, we have a responsibility to talk to our students to remind

them of how important it is to follow the guidelines set by parents, police, municipalities and the school district. Here are just a few ideas to prevent tragedies from happening. Communicate with your child to start observing some key safety tips: Wear helmets when riding bicycles – Florida law mandates that children under the age of 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. Since so many of our students ride their bikes to school, parents should be diligent in reminding them to wear a helmet, even though it can be hot and uncomfortable. Statistics show that helmets are an excellent way to prevent head trauma, one of the leading killers of children involved in bicycle accidents. Observe driving curfews – Parents need to remind students of mandatory driving curfews set up by the Division of Motor Vehicles. With a Learner’s License, students may only drive during daylight hours during the first three months and until 10 p.m. thereafter; always with a licensed driver who is at least 21 years old and who occupies the front passenger seat. Slow down when driving – Parents should remind students to obey posted speed limit signs as well as other traffic signals and devices. The primary cause of many accidents is driving too fast. Plus, the penalties are costly if you are caught by the police, since speeding tickets start at $118. Keeping tabs on your students – When a child is under the age of 18, parents are responsible for their whereabouts. Constant communication is crucial in monitoring children’s behavior. A cell phone is not a substitute for knowing where your child is at all times. Students should not be left unattended at bus stops, malls, parks, and other areas where there is no adult supervision. Observe safe driving habits – While students may be used to multi-tasking on computers, this does not mean that students can be distracted by cell phones, music, and friends. Insurance companies have repeatedly shown that the risk of accidents increases as the number of students in a car becomes greater. Teach your child to board and leave the bus safety – Parents need to remind students where the bus stop is located, 10 feet behind the road’s edge and away from any traffic that may be leaving a subdivision or adjacent road. Students should never cross in front of the bus, but rather wait until the bus has passed. Watch for signs of bus stops - Citizens should be aware that Brevard transports approximately 30,000 students twice per day, Monday through Friday. There are specific rules and regulations when driving near or around school buses and bus stops. While municipalities are responsible for school crossing guards at the busiest and most dangerous intersections, citizens are responsible for safe driving practices especially in school zones. As Brevard grows, there is more traffic on the road. It only takes one split second to change the course of a student’s life. While we can never bring these students back, we must learn something from what has happened. I encourage you to review these tips and share them with your child. Let’s have a great end to our school year by staying safe.