As the summer days wind down and the school bells start ringing, it’s time for children to head back to school. While this season brings excitement and new beginnings, it also calls for heightened attention to safety, especially around bus stops, school zones, and pedestrian areas. Whether you’re a parent, student, or motorist, staying informed and vigilant is crucial for ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Here are some essential back-to-school safety tips:
Bus Stop Safety
For Parents and Students:
- Arrive Early: Arriving at the bus stop a few minutes early helps avoid rushing, which can lead to accidents.
- Wait Safely: Children should wait at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) away from the curb. Teach children to stand back from the road and never approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver signals it’s safe to board.
- Boarding and Exiting: Remind kids to use the handrail when getting on and off the bus and to avoid lingering near the bus where drivers may not see them.
- Crossing the Street: Children should always cross in front of the bus, never behind, and only after making eye contact with the bus driver and being signaled to cross.
For Motorists:
- In every state, it is illegal for vehicle drivers to pass a school bus while the school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing. Failing to stop could result in injury or death to child pedestrians or their caretakers. Vehicle drivers must always come to a complete stop when a school bus stop-arm is extended and the red lights are flashing.
- The overall best practice is to “always stop if there’s a school bus.”
- Yellow flashing lights indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
- Motorists may begin moving only when the red flashing lights are turned off, the stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins to move.
- Never pass on the right side of the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.
School Zone Safety
For Parents and Pedestrians:
- Use Crosswalks: Always use designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals. Teach children the importance of looking both ways before crossing the street.
- Visibility: Encourage children to wear bright clothing or backpacks to increase their visibility, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Stay on Sidewalks: Where available, always use sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
For Motorists:
- Observe Speed Limits: School zones often have reduced speed limits. Adhering to these limits is critical for the safety of children who may suddenly cross the street.
- Be Prepared to Stop: Expect increased traffic and be ready to stop for school buses loading or unloading children, and always follow the bus’s stop sign signals.
- No Distractions: Avoid distractions like texting or using a phone. Stay alert for children who may be crossing the road or walking along the streets.
Pedestrian Safety
For Parents:
- Walking Routes: Plan and practice safe walking routes to school with your children, avoiding dangerous intersections and ensuring they understand the importance of staying alert.
- Buddy System: Encourage children to walk in groups, as there’s safety in numbers. It’s also a good opportunity for social interaction and building friendships.
For Motorists:
- Yield to Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and be patient, as children may take longer to cross the street.
- School Buses: Never pass a school bus from behind or from either direction if it’s stopped to load or unload children. This is not only dangerous but also illegal.
- Parking Lot Safety: In school parking lots, drive slowly and be extra cautious, especially during drop-off and pick-up times when children may unexpectedly dart out between cars.
As we transition into the new school year, let’s all commit to creating a safer environment for our children. By staying informed and practicing these safety tips, we can help ensure that students make it to and from school safely each day. Remember, safety is a community effort, and every action counts in protecting our young learners.
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