As summer comes to an end and a new school year begins, MSA would like to share the following School Transportation Safety Tips to help your children enjoy a safe and happy school year! According to Safe Kids Worldwide Opens in a new window, 61 kids are hit by cars every day in the United States and the majority of those accidents take place during the hours children are commuting to and from school. To ensure your children remain safe on their journey to and from school, whether your children walk, bike, or ride the bus, check out the following tips!
Walking
- If your child chooses to walk to school, make sure they understand the rules of the road. Instruct your child to always remain on the sidewalk, on the right side of the road so they are facing oncoming traffic. This will not only allow drivers to see your children, but also allow your children to see oncoming traffic.
- If possible, use the buddy system when walking Opens in a new window to and from school. Have your child walk with a neighbor, sibling, or a responsible adult.
- Children Opens in a new window should cross only at designated crossing areas, and always obey the crossing guard.
- Remind children to take out headphones and to stop texting. This allows children to put their senses to work and tune into possible dangers around them by being aware of their surroundings.
- Plan safe walking routes Opens in a new window for your child to take to and from school. Choose routes with sidewalks and areas that are well-lighted and avoid areas where there is little pedestrian traffic.
Biking
- Your child should always wear a helmet that fits properly while riding a bicycle as helmets reduce the risk of injury by 85%.
- Teach your child that as a bicyclist, he or she should always ride on the left side of the road so they are moving with traffic.
- Explain the rules of the road to your child as they are expected to obey traffic lights, stops signs, and right of way situations.
Bus
- Children should wait for the bus Opens in a new window to come to a complete stop before approaching the school bus.
- Teach children to cross Opens in a new window in front of the bus, and only when the bus driver indicated that it is safe.
- Children should remember that if they cannot see the bus driver, the bus driver cannot see them!
- Children should remain seated while riding the bus Opens in a new window, and use safety seat belts if they are available.
- Children should know where the emergency exits are located on the bus and how to operate the exits in the event of an emergency.
As a parent, taking the time to teach children how to stay safe during their commute to and from school is invaluable. But don’t stop there, lead by example! Be aware of children as they make their way to and from school. Be a responsible driver as distracted driving is dangerous for all children on the road!