Each year, an estimated 300,000 children go to the emergency room because of a bike injury, according to KidsHealth.org. The safety of bicyclists is an important part of road safety. Drivers should watch for cyclists and always give them the right of way. Children and adults who ride bikes on busy roadways must also follow safety rules to protect their lives. The use of helmets is important for bike safety. Every helmet should have a sticker that says it meets the standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bike helmets must also be worn every time you use a bike. Use reflective stickers on helmets to make riders more visible to roadway traffic. Bicycle riders should check the oil on the bike chain and make sure the brakes work properly before venturing onto a road. Wear bright clothes and avoid night riding. Cyclists should follow the same traffic laws as those in cars, stopping at red lights and making turn signals with hand gestures.
Road safety includes following state laws on the condition of the car. The Department of Public Safety & Oregon State Police created guidelines for drivers to follow; many other states have enacted similar rules. Seat belts should be in proper working order and worn at all times. Headlights, taillights and rear reflectors should function properly. Turn signals should work properly on every car. Following these guidelines helps other drivers to see your vehicle and avoid accidents. Horns must be working and heard from 200 feet away. It is mandatory for brakes to be in working order. Car safety also includes not overloading the vehicle with passengers, which decreases the driver's visibility. Finally, drivers must use headlights in rain or snow to help other drivers see the vehicle.
The Colorado Department of Transportation Safety and Traffic Engineering Branch created a safety checklist for drivers in a school zone. Whether it is elementary, middle or high school, proper pavement markings and signs should be in place. These marking establish the limits of the school zone. They also limit where cars can drive and park, to protect students. Schools must enforce a traffic-control plan to limit congestion and avoid injuries. Crossing guards direct traffic so children can cross the street. Crossing guards also help drivers to maintain a slow speed for safety. School zones have speed limits of no more than 25 miles per hour to protect children. These guidelines help ensure that children traveling to school by foot or bus arrive safely and avoid harm.
