Send Kids Back to School Safely

When taking the bus to school

• Be extra careful in the "blind spot" that extends 10 feet around the bus. When you are in this area, it is very hard for the bus driver to see you.
• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  Stay out of the street and avoid horseplay.
• Wait for parents on the same side of the street as the school bus loading zone.
• Make sure the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to get on or off.
• Cross the street at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

When walking to school

• Choose the safest route to school. Look for the most direct route with the fewest street crossings. Parents should walk the route with children until they demonstrate traffic safety awareness.
• Take the same route every day and avoid shortcuts.
• Obey all traffic signals. Remember, a flashing walk sign is not an automatic "go" signal. It means a pedestrian has permission to cross, but must first stop and look both ways for cars.
• Look in all directions before crossing the street. Stop at the curb or edge of the road and look left, right and left again for traffic before and while crossing the street.
• Do not enter the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or shrubs.

When riding bicycles to school

• Wear your bike helmet at all times when cycling.
• Follow the rules of the road. Ride on the right side of the road – with, not against, traffic. Use appropriate hand signals. Respect traffic signals.
• Stop at all intersections, marked and unmarked, and get off your bike. Look left, right and left again before crossing.

When driving children to school

• Use child safety seats and/or safety belts correctly every time you and your children ride. Remain buckled up until exiting the vehicle.
• Drop off children as close to school as possible so they do not have to cross the street. Make sure they enter and leave the car on the curbside.
• Arrange to pick up children at a safe spot away from the congestion of cars around the school.
• Allow extra time in your schedule to avoid driving too fast when late.
• Never put loose or heavy objects in the passenger area of the car that could injure someone if you stop suddenly.

Reprinted with the permission of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.