Back to School Safety


Back to School - Safety Check List
As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to school, family life can get pretty hectic. It's important to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.
Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is vitally important that they – and the motorists around them – take proper safety precautions.
Walkers
Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
Never dart out in front of a parked car
Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available
Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
Do not walk while using headphones
Bike Riders
Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly
Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across
Watch for opening car doors and other hazards
Use hand signals when turning
Wear bright-colored clothing
Bus Riders
Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
If seat belts are available, buckle up
Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other drivers
Drivers, Share the Road
Don't block crosswalks
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus
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