​D20 Schools Starting - Think Safety

It’s that time of year again when the children in our community are heading back to school. Below are a couple of tips we hope you’ll remember:

• Slow Down.  Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks at the bus stop area.  Watch for children playing or congregating near bus stops.
• Be Alert.  Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic. Watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.  Also, as a reminder, the red flashing lights on the bus indicate that the bus has stopped and children are getting on or off of the bus.  Motorists approaching from either direction must wait until the red lights stop flashing before proceeding.

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

Read more tips at www.nsc.org/home-safety/seasonal-safety/back-to-school