Returning to School Safely

Schools have reopened for the 2021=2022 school year.  Quiet summer streets will once again be filled with school buses, cars, bicycles, and students walking to school.  Slow down and be alert!  Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind as schools reopen.

#1 priority when driving to school or around schools – stay off your phone!  Distractions cause accidents!

If you’re dropping off:

• Don’t load or unload students across the street from school.
• Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other students and vehicles.

Walking students:

• Don’t block the crosswalk when you stop at red lights near a school.
• Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians

School buses:

• Never pass a bus from behind or from either direction if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• When following a school bus, allow more space between you and the bus.
• Stop at least 10 feet around a school bus to allow enough space for students to safely enter and exit the bus.
• BE ALERT!  Children are often unpredictable and tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

Bicyclists:

• When passing a bicycle, leave 3 feet between you and bike.
• Turning left and a bicyclists is approaching from the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass.
• Turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first.  Always use your turn signals.
• Be watchful of bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling.
• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.
• Check side mirrors before opening your car door.
• Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

Parents, talk to your children about safety.

If your child is walking to school:

• Use the sidewalk whenever possible.  If no sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
• When possible, use marked crosswalks to cross the street.  Always look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes when crossing.
• Never play, push, or shove others when you are walking around traffic.
• Watch the road, not your phone.

If your child is riding a bus:

Teach them S.A.F.E.

• Stay five steps away from the curb
• Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for you to board.
• Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
• Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing the street.

Riding a bike to school:

• Wear a correctly fitted helmet that has a securely fasten chin strap.
• Ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic signs and signals.
• Stay in the bike lane whenever possible.

Have great school year and be safe!

_______________________

National Safety Council:  https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/seasonal-safety/back-to-school/drivers

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: https://www.nhtsa.gov/school-bus-safety/keeping-children-safe