Children are
getting ready to head back to
school. The early morning roads will
once again be crowded with
pedestrians, bikes, cars and buses
in the rush to work and school.
Drivers must always be watchful, and
not only of other vehicles. Children
frequently dart unexpectedly into
traffic, often from between parked
cars. If you're driving in and
around school zones and other areas
where children play, expect the
unexpected. School zones are 15
Miles Per Hour, and are "Zero
Tolerance" enforced.
For twenty-three million students
nationwide, the school day begins
and ends with a trip on a school
bus. It is important that adults and
children know school bus safety
rules.
Children should arrive
at the bus stop at least five minutes early to prevent
running up to the bus as it approaches. As the bus
approaches, stand at least six feet away from the curb.
Be sure the driver can see you at all times. Just
because a child can see the driver does not mean the
driver always sees the child. Always look
left-right-left before crossing streets.
Laws exist to protect
children getting on and off the bus AND protect you from
a tragedy. Check with your school or police department
for more information on your state's laws. Here are some
rules: Vehicles must stop when the bus displays flashing
red warning lights and extends the stop signal arm.
Vehicles may not pass until the flashing red lights and
signals are turned off. Vehicles traveling in the same
direction as the bus are always required to stop. In
some states, vehicles moving in the opposite direction
on a divided roadway are also required to stop. Check
the law in your state. Never pass on the right side of
the bus, where children enter or exit. This is illegal
and can have tragic results. Violation of these laws can
result in a citation and fine. In many places, school
bus drivers can report passing vehicles.
Kids will be donning
their backpacks and hopping onto their bicycles, too. Be
sure to go over this checklist with your kids to get
them off to school safely.
Check the condition of
your bicycle to ensure it is safe to ride. Brakes, wheel
alignment, chain/chain guard, reflectors, seat, pedals,
handlebars, tires, axle nuts and bearings should all be
evaluated and repaired or adjusted as necessary.
Always wear a bicycle
helmet.
Select the safest
route to your destination and use it. Avoid busy streets
and intersections if at all possible.
Watch for cars at
cross streets, driveways and parking spaces.
Obey all traffic rules and signs--always give proper
hand signals.
A safe and enjoyable
ride to and from school is a cooperative effort
involving students, parents, drivers, school
administration, and law enforcement.