Back-to-School Safety Tips for North Georgia & TN Families

August marks the midpoint of the summertime for many, and as families prepare for a new school year, safety should be a top priority for everyone hitting the roads and sidewalks. The return to school means more children and parents walking, biking, and driving to and near schools and daycares in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN. August also signals a return to work for many adults, especially teachers in North Georgia and Chattanooga, TN.

Pritchard Injury Firm believes protecting our neighbors in North Georgia and Chattanooga starts with keeping everyone informed and aware of safety trends and recommendations.

Recent Tragedies Highlight the Need for Vigilance

Safety isn’t just about numbers—it’s about real families. Perhaps the most painful stories involve children. After a tragic crash near Chattanooga killed a mother and her 22-month-old son at a crosswalk, local families demanded immediate improvements. This set a stellar example; as parents, caregivers, and community members, we must all advocate for safer streets and model best practices for our children.

Top Family Safety Tips for Back-to-School Season

Families heading back to school should make these simple, life-saving strategies a daily routine:

1. Cross at Crosswalks: Teach kids to ALWAYS use marked crosswalks and never dart into streets from between cars.
2. Stay Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight during dawn, dusk, or nighttime walks.
3. Be Alert: Put down phones and remove earbuds when crossing streets. Watch for vehicles turning or backing up, especially in driveways and parking lots.
4. Supervision Matters: Young children, especially under 10, should always cross with an adult.

Notes For Drivers – Especially Those With Children On Board

Caution is necessary behind the wheel as well. Drivers should refamiliarize themselves with nearby school zones and drive within the posted speed limits. And remember, both Georgia and Tennessee have enacted “hands-free” laws to address distracted driving.

Drivers also have to be mindful of who might be traveling with them in the car. A whole new class of children will be shuffled in car seats, or moved up into booster seats.

Properly securing children in car seats that meet federal motor vehicle safety standards goes a long way in keeping them safe.

Child Passenger Safety Week is recognized each year during the third week of September, but it should be observed year-round. Be sure your car seat has not expired, is properly installed and secured, and that newborns up through most three-year-olds are in rear-facing car seats, as recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, NHTSA notes, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether.

Infrastructure Improvements Offer Hope

Positive steps are underway. Georgia recently authorized speed cameras in school zones, aiming to stop reckless driving where children are most vulnerable. Chattanooga received a $2 million federal grant to upgrade pedestrian crossings, focusing on connecting schools, hospitals, and underserved neighborhoods.

These are encouraging developments, but personal caution remains the foundation of family

safety.

A Community Effort

As students and teachers return to classrooms, let’s ensure every child, parent, and driver gets there safely. Roadway improvements and new laws help, but nothing replaces family awareness and community support. By working together—modeling, teaching, and prioritizing pedestrian safety—we can protect our loved ones and make this school year safe for everyone.

Your GA/TN Pedestrian and Fatal Accident Lawyer

Contact a lawyer if your loved one was injured or died from an injury caused by the actions of another person. Pritchard Injury Firm’s North Georgia/TN fatal accident lawyers can evaluate the claim and take steps to build and strengthen your case. Contact Pritchard Injury Firm for a free consultation.