As the new school year begins, relay the following safety tips to your children, and take some upon yourself for best practice:
Walking
- • Use sidewalks or walk facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.
- Use crosswalks or cross at intersections after checking that it is safe to do so.
- Always look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while walking.
Biking
- Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic.
- Come to a complete stop before crossing the street, then walk your bike across.
- Wear a properly fitted bike helmet and bright clothing.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding.
Bus Riding
- Teach your child the proper way to enter/exit the bus and to stand at least six feet from the curb.
- If children must cross the street in front of the bus, teach them to do so at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can always see them.
Driving
- Obey school zone speed limits and follow drop-off procedures.
- Make eye contact with children crossing the street.
- Never pass a bus loading or unloading children.
- Set a good example by driving the way you want your teenage drivers to drive.