School Bus Safety

Remind children:

When the bus arrives, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road until you are five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus. Then you can cross the street.
Be sure the bus driver can see you and you can see the bus driver.
Never walk behind the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up first because the driver may not be able to see you.

Tips for Walking Safely to School

Walking is fun, but you need to be safe while doing it. Follow these tips to make sure you get to and from school without any problems.

Walk Together

Younger children should always walk with an adult. Walking is great exercise and a nice way to spend time together!

If your parents say that you can walk to school on your own, remember these tips:

Walk with a friend when possible.
Ask your parents to help you pick a safe route to school, one that avoids dangers.
Stick to the route you picked with your parents. Don't let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous.
When you are near the street, don't push, shove, or chase each other.
Never hitchhike or take rides from people not arranged by your parents.
Talk to your parents and teacher about any bullying that may happen during your walk.

Be Seen

Remember, drivers may not be able to see you well. Always wear bright-colored clothes, and if it is dark or hard to see, carry flashlights or wear reflective gear.

Look for Traffic

Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection on your walk to school. Look for drivers in parked cars. They may be getting ready to move.

Cross the Street Safely

Stop at the curb or edge of the street.
Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic.
Wait until no traffic is coming and begin crossing.
Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing.
Walk, don't run across the street.

Obey traffic signs, signals and adult school crossing guards!

For more resources and information on Safe Routes to School, please visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School Website at www.saferoutesinfo.org.

Tips for Bicycling Safety

Practice and remind children to:

Always wear a helmet that is properly fitted and complies with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Standards.
Ride on the right side of the road or trail in a single file (one bicycle behind another) in the same direction as other vehicles.
Come to a complete stop before crossing streets.
Stop completely before crossing railroad tracks and go straight across the tracks slowly.
Always use proper hand signals when turning and stopping.
Be courteous to pedestrians.
Use a bicycle bell to alert pedestrians that you are passing (this is effective for preventing crashes).

Stranger Danger Safety

Remind children:

Stay with a group.
If a stranger offers you a ride, say "NO!"
If a stranger follows you on foot, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. If a stranger follows you in a car, turn around and go the other direction.
Never leave school with a stranger.
Tell a trusted adult if a stranger is hanging around the school, playground, or public restroom.
Leave items and clothing that display your name, so that a stranger can't read it, at home.
If you arrive home alone, call your mother, father, or other trusted adult to let them know you are home and all right. Keep the door locked, don't open the door for strangers, and don't tell strangers that you are home alone.
Never accept things from a stranger.
If a stranger asks you a question, don't talk. Run away.
Don't go anywhere with a stranger.