School bus (Credit: LevittownNow.com)
With the new school year underway, streets and neighborhoods are once again filled with students walking, biking, and waiting for buses. The increase in activity near schools requires extra caution from everyone in the community to ensure students travel to and from school safely.
Safety is a shared responsibility, and both motorists and families play a vital role.
Motorist Safety
Drivers are reminded that children can be unpredictable and difficult to see near roads and intersections. Extra care is essential, especially during school hours.
Motorists must slow down in school zones, where posted speed limits are strictly enforced.
Drivers should remain alert for children near crosswalks, intersections, sidewalks, and bus stops.
Passing a stopped school bus is illegal and extremely dangerous. Flashing red lights and an extended stop arm mean children are crossing.
Distracted driving is prohibited. Even a brief glance at a phone can cause a tragic accident.
Student and Parent Safety
Students and families are encouraged to practice safe habits when walking, biking, or riding to school. Parents are urged to reinforce these behaviors with their children.
Students should always use designated crosswalks and wait for the crossing guard’s signal before crossing.
Crossing guards’ directions must be followed, as they are trained to keep children safe.
Children should cross the street carefully, walking at a steady pace without running or lingering in the roadway.
Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards should be dismounted before crossing busy streets to maintain control and visibility.
Phones, headphones, and other distractions should be avoided while crossing.
Making eye contact with drivers is an important step before entering the roadway.
A Community Commitment
Crossing guards, teachers, parents, and motorists each play a role in promoting safe travel. Children often learn safety habits by watching the adults around them, making it essential for community members to set a positive example.
Through patience, attentiveness, and respect on the road, the community can work together to ensure every student begins and ends the school day safely.
