Preventing Dog Bites During Walk to School

CONTACT:
Robert B. Baker, Esq., Zimmerman & Frachtman
(954) 509-1900

Preventing Dog Bites During Walk to School

Parkland, FL – With the start of the school year just a week away, the personal injury law firm of Zimmerman & Frachtman wants to share tips to keep kids safe when walking to school and the possibility of the child coming encountering a strange and potentially dangerous dog.

There are an estimated 4.7 million dog bites in the U.S. each year causing serious injuries and some even resulting in death. According to the American Humane Society, 50% of dog attacks involved children under 12-years-old. It is important to remember that all dogs can bite regardless of size or breed.

What Can Parents Do?
The best way to prevent children from being bitten by dogs is to teach them to follow basic safety tips and review them regularly:

• Teach children how to approach a dog
• Teach children how to act and play with or around a dog
• Do not approach a dog you do not know
• Do not scream and run from a dog
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies
• Never take a toy or bone away from a dog
• Never tease a dog or pull on their tails or ears
• Never touch a dog without asking permission

If You Are Approached By an Unfamiliar Dog:

• Stay calm
• Remain motionless (be still and tall like a tree)
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”)
• Always make slow movements and do not run
• Always talk in a quiet voice or whisper
• If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult

Remember to practice these lifesaving safety steps to help ensure a safe walk to school.