Ensuring a Safe School Year: Back-to-School Safety Tips from the City of Statesville

As summer ends and children prepare to return to school, family life can become quite busy. It's crucial to remember – and share with your children – some key tips that will help keep them safe and healthy throughout the school year.

Top School Bus Safety Tips

Respect School Bus Stop Arms and Lights: School buses are equipped with stop arms and flashing lights for a reason. When you see a school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing, it means children are boarding or exiting the bus. Always come to a complete stop and wait until the bus resumes motion and turns off its lights before proceeding.

Create a Safe Loading Zone: If you have children who take the school bus, consider creating a designated loading zone at your home. This will help keep children away from traffic and ensure a safe and organized boarding process.

Report Violations: If you witness a driver who ignores the school bus stop arm or engages in dangerous behavior around school buses, report it to local law enforcement. Your vigilance can help prevent accidents and protect our children.

Stay Informed About Bus Routes and Schedules: Parents and guardians should stay informed about school bus routes and schedules. Knowing when your child's bus should arrive and depart can help ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Be Patient and Courteous: Finally, always exercise patience and courtesy when driving near school buses. Remember that the safety of our children is everyone's responsibility, and a few extra moments of caution can make all the difference.

Transportation Safety Tips

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle, or take the bus to school, it is vital they follow proper safety precautions. Here are some tips to ensure your child travels safely to school:

Walkers

Use Sidewalks: Always use sidewalks where available. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the edge of the road facing traffic.

Crossing Streets: Only cross streets at designated crosswalks. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.

Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like phones or headphones that can prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic.

Buddy System: Walk with a friend or in a group whenever possible for added safety.

Bus Riders

Arrive Early: Get to the bus stop at least five minutes early to avoid rushing.

Stand Back: Stand at least three giant steps away from the curb while waiting for the bus.

Board Safely: Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching. Use the handrail when getting on and off the bus.

Stay Seated: Remain seated and facing forward during the bus ride. Keep aisles clear of backpacks and other items.

Bike Riders

Wear a Helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of a fall or collision.

Follow Traffic Rules: Obey all traffic signals and signs. Ride in the same direction as traffic.

Be Visible: Wear bright clothing and use bike lights or reflectors, especially in low-light conditions.

Stay on Bike Paths: Use bike lanes or paths where available and avoid busy roads.

Driving Your Child to School

Car Seat Safety: Ensure that young children are in properly installed car seats or booster seats appropriate for their age and size.

Seat Belts: Make sure everyone in the car wears a seat belt at all times.

Drop-Off Zones: Follow the school's procedures for drop-off and pick-up. Do not double park or let children exit the car in busy traffic.

Stay Focused: Avoid distractions like phones while driving. Pay attention to school zones and obey speed limits.

Teen Drivers

Practice Safe Driving: Remind your teen to follow all traffic laws, wear a seat belt, and avoid distractions like texting or using a phone while driving.

Limit Passengers: For new drivers, limit the number of passengers they can have to reduce distractions.

Night Driving: Set restrictions on nighttime driving until your teen gains more experience.

Route Planning: Encourage your teen to plan their route and familiarize themselves with it before heading out.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your child has a safe and successful school year. Remember, safety starts with awareness and preparation, so take the time to discuss these tips with your children and make safety a priority this back-to-school season.