Back to School Safety Tips for Kids, Parents and Drivers

As we start back to the hustle and bustle of a new school year -and whether your kids walk or take the bus, I know that the biggest concern is that you want them to be safe. So here are some tips for back to school safety.

                                 This post is sponsored by Winner Hyunadi in Dover

TIPS FOR KIDS
When walking through the neighborhood , or getting on the bus here are some useful tips for all kids when it comes to being safe.

WALKING
If kids are younger and haven’t done this before, you may want to teach them how to do it safely. Do a practice walk showing them what to watch out for. Share tips such as:

use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk walk on the edge of the street, always facing traffic.
Before crossing the street stop and look left and right and left again to make sure no cars are coming
Do not walk and talk or text. (especially while wearing headphones) You don’t want to be distracted near traffic

BIKING
Riding can be fun (and a lot faster) way to get to school, but there are a few tips to be safe while riding as well
Always wear a helmet and make sure that the chin strap is fastened
Ride single file on the right side of the road (going the same direction as traffic while you’re on a bike, unlike walking) and be sure to obey all traffic laws
Use bike lanes whenever possible – if you ride on the sidewalk be extra careful of pedestrians
Use hand signals to alert other riders and drivers when you are going to stop or turn
Walk the bike when you cross streets
TAKING THE BUS
Staying safe around (or on) a school bus , follow these tips:
At the bus stop – stay at least 6 feet from the curb, do not run around while you wait
Getting on & off the bus – wait for the bus to stop completely and for the door to open, only get on or off the bus once the driver says it’s OK, once seated always face forward and use seat belts whenever possible
Near the bus – do not cross behind a school bus, if you need to cross in front of the bus make sure you are at least 10 feet in front of the bus before you do, tell the driver if you drop something near the bus – do not lean down to pick it up as the driver may not be able to see you.

TIPS FOR DRIVERS
As a driver you need to use extra caution in school zones, especially at drop off and pick up times.
Yield to pedestrians and bike riders in crosswalks – and NEVEr block a crosswalk
Do not pass a vehicle waiting for a pedestrian to walk
Do not pass a school bus EVER that is picking up or dropping off kids
Leave enough space between your vehicle and the bus so the kids can safely enter and exit
Always stop for a school staff or crossing guard holding up any stop sign
The start of a new school year is always a bit of a stressful time, but with some planning and smarts, we can get our kids to school and home again safely.