Summer is drawing to a close and plans to get ready for school are in the air. School safety needs to be on that back-to-school list. Traveling safely to and back from school is a big part of protecting our kids.
“Nationally, being struck by a vehicle while walking is a leading cause of unintentional death among children ages 5 to 14,” according to the Minnesota Safety Council.
The tips below are reminders on how to get ready for the new school season.
Tips for Drivers
School buses will be out in full force. Watch for them slowing to unload or load children. Buses will put out an extended arm with a red flashing light. You must stop at least 20-50 feet behind the bus, depending on which state you live in.
Watch and wait to see that children have exited the bus and reached an area of safety before returning to driving.
Tips for Parents
Review safety rules for walking or riding a bike to school with your student.
Parents should walk along and supervise young children walking to school.
Students must cross the street only in the crosswalk. Students should make eye contact with the driver so they know they have been seen before crossing. Students need to be aware that some drivers turning right may not look first before rolling into the crosswalk, particularly in bad weather.
If there is no sidewalk, children must walk single file, facing oncoming traffic. Remind students not to listen to music or chat/text on cell phones while they are walking.
Bicyclists should wear helmets and ride on the side of the road. They should keep alert for drivers who may not be paying attention.
Alert children to be wary of strangers and not to take routes that are isolated or do not have others traveling on them. If a suspicious stranger is seen, children should go inside a store or even knock on the door of a house to find an adult who can help them.
Tips for Students
Always buckle up when riding in the car.
Make sure to keep your helmet with your bike so you never ride without it.