As summer draws to a close, families across Elk Grove are gearing up for the traditional start of the school year on August 17, 2026. With backpacks loaded and fresh outfits ready, local streets and crosswalks will soon be bustling with children walking, biking, and riding scooters to class. While this is an exciting milestone, the sudden increase in morning traffic means safety must be every parent’s top priority.
Whether your child is coasting on a scooter or pedaling a bicycle, getting to school safely requires the right preparation. Here are a few essential tips to keep your kids protected this school year.
Dress For Visibility And Safety. Appropriate clothing goes beyond just looking good for the first day of school; it plays a critical role in physical safety. Children should wear bright, highly visible colors so motorists can easily spot them in the early morning light. Adding reflective tape to backpacks, helmets, or jackets provides an extra layer of visibility. Additionally, ensure your child wears sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Avoid loose-fitting pants, skirts, or excessively long shoelaces that could easily become entangled in a bicycle
chain or scooter wheel.
Make Helmets Non-Negotiable. California law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding a bike or scooter – However a helmet only works if it fits correctly and it’s properly fastened. A helmet that fits properly should sit level on your child’s head, resting about one to two finger-widths above their eyebrows. The side straps should form a snug “V” shape under and slightly in front of the ears, and the chin strap should be tight enough that only one or two fingers can fit beneath it. Always verify that the helmet is CPSC-certified and free of any previous crash damage.
What To Do If The Unthinkable Happens. Even when a child follows all the rules and wear the proper gear, accidents can still occur due to distracted, speeding, or negligent drivers. If something unfortunate happens, your first priority is always your child’s well-being. Call 911 immediately and seek medical attention. Do this even if injuries seem minor. If you are able to, document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicle, the bicycle or scooter, and the surrounding area. Be sure to collect contact information from any witnesses.
Finally, before speaking to an insurance adjuster, protect your family’s rights by consulting with an experienced legal professional. At GB Legal (gblegal.com), we understand how devastating a back-to-school accident can be. We are dedicated to advocating for injured children and their families in Elk Grove, ensuring you receive the support, guidance, and compensation you deserve. Guenard & Bozarth wishes every student a safe, successful, and happy start to the 2026 school year!
We represent people injured as a result of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. Insurance companies have paid our clients hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation because we uncover the facts. When insurance companies fail to offer full compensation, we are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 916-714-7672 or visit www.gblegal.com