Back to School Safety Tips and Reminders

This year, going back to school is going to look a little different. Although virtual options are available, Oklahoma schools will be seeing a lot more students heading back to the classroom than previous years.  This means that school zones, bus stops, and crosswalks are going to be congested and potentially hazardous.

Here are some tips and reminders from some of our community partners about how you can help keep children safe.

**Additional tips and reminders can be found at the websites of the sources provided below.

1. Slow down, drive the speed limit, and stay off your cell phones.
2. Watch for children who are walking or riding their bikes to school. There are many distractions. Pedestrians can be in unexpected places while they're traveling to school.  It's very important to be aware of your surroundings.
3. Never block a crosswalk.  If you do, pedestrians will have to go around your vehicle and it could put them in the path of moving traffic.
4. Do not double park.  It can block visibility for pedestrians and vehicles.
5. Do not unload children across the street from the school.
6. Yield in a school zone when you see flashers blinking and stop when pedestrians are using a crosswalk or intersection.
7. Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian (even if you have the right of way).

1. Share the road with school buses. Unpredictable situations can occur and it's important to create as much of a safety zone for buses as possible.
2. If you see flashing yellow lights, red lights, or the stop sign arm is extended, all traffic on both sides of the road MUST stop.
3. Stop at least 10 feet from around the school bus.  Allow pedestrians enough room to safely enter and exit the bus.
4. Never pass a bus from behind.  If it's stopped, they could be loading or unloading children or pedestrians.

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

1. Watch the road.
2. Use sidewalks whenever it's possible.
3. Use marked crosswalks whenever it's possible.
4. Never play, push, or shove others when you walk near or around traffic.
5. Always watch the road, not your phones.

1. Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file. Use a bike path or sidewalk whenever it's possible.
2. Walk bikes across the street.  Use a crosswalk whenever it's possible.
3. Stay alert and avoid distracted riding.  Turn off your music.
4. Always wear properly fitted helmets, safety gear, and bright clothing.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• National Safety Council
• National Safety Council Back to School Safety Checklist