Back to School Safety Tips

School Safety Tips

Reminder for drivers:

• Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully
• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings
• Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

• They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks
• Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars
• Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

Riding a Bike to School:

• Always wear an approved helmet when riding a bicycle
• Wear clothing that is bright and colorful to make it easier for drivers to see you
• Learn hand signals and use them
• Ride a bike on the right hand side of the road traveling in the same direction as the traffic
• Always stop for stop signs and follow the rules of traffic lights
• Learn and follow the rules of the road
• Do not listen to an iPod, mp3 player or other music device
• Always pay attention to the traffic

Riding to School in a Car:

• Make sure each child is securely strapped into their seat belt
• Younger children need the appropriate car seat or booster seat for their age or size
• Have each child exit the car using the door on the curbside so they are not stepping out of the car into traffic
• Do not leave the school until your child, or all those in the carpool, are safely inside the school building

Waiting for the School Bus:

• Walk to the bus stop using a sidewalk if there is one
• If there is no sidewalk, stay on the left side of the street facing the traffic
• While waiting for the school bus to arrive stay at the bus stop 
• Do not wander down the street, into a wooded area or onto private property
• Do not speak to strangers while waiting for the bus
• Do not go into the street while waiting for the bus to arrive
• Do not roughhouse, run or play with your friends while waiting for the bus to arrive
• When the bus approaches, line up away from the street
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and has the door open before stepping into the road

Rules for Boarding the School Bus:

• Hold the handrail when getting onto the school bus
• Do not push or shove others when they are in line or are boarding the bus
• Once you are on the bus, quickly find a seat, sit down and stay seated

Riding the School Bus:

• Stay in your seat
• If the bus is equipped with a seat belt make sure to fasten it securely
• Never put your head, hands or arms out of the school bus window
• Do not yell or make other loud noises that could distract the bus driver
• Talk quietly while on the bus
• Do not eat or drink anything while riding on the bus
• Do not block the bus aisle with backpacks, books or musical instruments: if an emergency should arise it is important the aisle is clear
• Do not touch or play with the emergency exits
• Do not throw things at others on the bus or out of the bus windows
• When you reach the school, or your bus stop on the return trip home, have your things ready so you can leave without holding up others on the bus