Back-to-School Safety

The arrival of a new school year is an exciting time filled with fresh supplies, new friendships and academic growth.

However, it also brings a dramatic increase in traffic, busy school zones and new safety challenges. Between 2013 and 2022, school-transportation-related crashes resulted in more than 1,000 fatalities nationwide. Ensuring a safe school year is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance from drivers, parents and students alike.

This guide outlines essential safety tips to keep children safe as they commute, play and learn.

1. Sharing the Road

With millions of students heading back to school, drivers must exercise extreme caution, particularly during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup times.

School Zones

School zones feature reduced speed limits (often 15 to 25 mph) to give drivers more time to react.

• Avoid Double-Parking: Double-parking blocks visibility for other drivers and makes it difficult for children to cross safely.
• Load/Unload Safely: Never drop off or pick up children across the street from the school which prevents them from darting into traffic.
• Watch the Crosswalks: Do not block crosswalks when stopped at red lights as this forces pedestrians to walk into active traffic lanes.

School Bus Safety

Drivers in all 50 states are legally required to understand and follow school bus traffic laws.

• Yellow Flashing Lights: This signal indicates the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children.
• Red Flashing Lights and Stop-Arm: When the red lights flash and the stop-arm extends, drivers in both directions on undivided roads must come to a complete stop.
• Stay Back: Maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from the bus to ensure students have plenty of room to exit safely.

Sharing the Road with Bicycles

Children riding bicycles can be unpredictable and hard to see.

• Keep Your Distance: Maintain at least a 3-foot buffer when passing bicyclists.
• Yield at Intersections: Before turning, check your mirrors and blind spots for oncoming cyclists and yield the right-of-way.

2. Pedestrian Safety for Students

Educating children on road safety is one of the most effective ways to prevent injuries.

Smart Walking Habits

According to safety data, older children and young teens are particularly vulnerable to pedestrian incidents, often due to distractions.

• Stay Alert: Put away phones, turn off electronics and remove headphones when walking near roadways.
• Use Sidewalks: Always walk on sidewalks or along the shoulder facing oncoming traffic if sidewalks are unavailable.
• Look Left-Right-Left: Always cross at designated crosswalks or corners, look left, right, and left again and make eye contact with drivers.

Safe School Bus Behavior

School buses are incredibly safe vehicles, but most bus-related injuries occur outside the bus itself.

• The “SAFE” Rule: Teach children to stay at least 10 feet (about five giant steps) away from the curb while waiting.
• Wait for the Signal: Students should wait for the bus to stop completely and watch for the driver’s signal before boarding.
• Cross in Front: Never cross behind a school bus; walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus so the driver can clearly see you.

Bicycle Safety

If your child rides a bike to school, make sure they are prepared with the proper gear and knowledge.

• Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet with a buckled chin strap is mandatory.
• Ride with Traffic: Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, utilize bike lanes and obey all traffic signs.

3. Classroom Wellness and Everyday School Safety

Safety does not end when children reach the school gates. Health and daily school habits are equally vital.

Backpack Health and Ergonomics

Heavy, poorly designed backpacks can cause back strain and poor posture.

• Keep It Light: An overstuffed backpack should never exceed 5% to 10% of a child’s body weight.
• Use Both Straps: Wearing both shoulder straps distributes the weight evenly and prevents strain.
• Adjust and Fit: Choose ergonomically designed backpacks with padded shoulder straps.

Playground and Sports Safety

Outdoor play is crucial for development, but playgrounds require basic safety rules.

• Dress for Safety: Remove necklaces, drawstrings or loose items from clothing to prevent accidental strangulation.
• Report Injuries: Ensure children understand they should report any falls or head injuries immediately to a school nurse.

Together, we can educate, protect and support the children in our communities. Have a safe healthy school year!

Sources:

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/consumer-alert-nhtsa-reminds-everyone-drive-safely-children-head-back-school
• https://acnsc.org/back-to-school-back-to-safety-how-drivers-can-keep-kids-safe/
• https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home?#/