Keeping Kids Safe: Back-to-School 2024 Tips

As the new school year begins, keeping our children safe is essential. With all the back-to-school excitement, it's important for everyone—parents, drivers, and students—to be careful and mindful of safety practices. Here are some simple tips and reminders from our community partners to help keep kids safe as they return to school.

• Slow Down and Focus: Always drive the speed limit and avoid using your cell phone. Distracted driving can lead to accidents, especially in school zones.
• Watch for Kids: Children walking or biking to school may not always be careful. Keep an eye out for them, especially near schools.
• Keep Crosswalks Clear: Don't stop in crosswalks. Blocking them forces kids to go around your car, which is dangerous.
• Don't Double Park: Double parking makes it hard for others to see and can cause accidents.
• Safe Drop-offs: Drop children off in designated areas, not across the street from the school.
• Respect School Zones: Yield to pedestrians in school zones and stop when school zone lights are flashing. Don't honk or rev your engine to scare pedestrians, even if you have the right of way.

• Share the Road: School buses stop frequently. Give them plenty of space, and always stop for their flashing lights and stop signs.
• Keep Your Distance: Stay 10 feet away from a stopped school bus to give children room to get on and off safely.
• Don't Pass a Stopped Bus: Never pass a bus from behind when it's stopped. Children may be crossing the street.

• Stay Back: Stand five steps from the curb while waiting for the bus.
• Wait for the Signal: Wait until the bus stops completely and the driver signals it's safe to get on.
• Sit Facing Forward: Sit facing forward once on the bus to avoid getting hurt if the bus stops suddenly.
• Exit Carefully: When getting off the bus, look left-right-left for cars before crossing the street.

• Use Sidewalks and Crosswalks: Walk on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks whenever possible.
• No Horseplay: Don't play, push, or shove near traffic.
• Stay Focused: Always watch the road, not your phone, to avoid accidents.

• Ride Safely: Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, and in a single file. Use bike paths or sidewalks when available.
• Use Crosswalks: Walk your bike across streets using crosswalks.
• Stay Alert: Don't listen to music while riding to stay aware of your surroundings.
• Wear Safety Gear: Always wear a properly fitted helmet, safety gear, and bright clothing to stay safe and visible.

Let's work together to keep our children safe this school year. By following these tips and staying alert, we can make sure everyone has a safe and happy back-to-school season!

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