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
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