Getting to School
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