Schools around the country will be back in session later this month, or early next month. Whether they’re walking, taking the bus or riding their bikes, take steps to help ensure children’s safety:

Driving tips — parents and teens

• Watch all crosswalks, speed zones and yellow buses — Kids often dart across the street when you least expect it so always double and triple check crosswalks before proceeding. Be sure to obey posted speed limits in school zones. When a school bus stops with its red brake lights flashing and/or its stop sign raised, you must stop from either direction until all kids are safely across the street and the bus lights stop flashing (unless the school bus is stopped on the other side of a multi-lane or divided highway).
• “One text or call could wreck it all” — You wouldn’t drive while distracted, right? Help your kids get smarter about driving while distracted, particularly texting while driving — as the combination can be deadly.¹ Have a conversation with your kids about the dangers and encourage them to stay focused while driving. Then keep the conversation going.

Take away: Always expect the unexpected.

Bus it back to school
If your children will be riding a school bus try to make sure they understand this information:

• When the bus arrives, children should stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb to be sure they are seen by the driver.
• If children have to cross the street in front of the bus, they should first walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road until they are at least 5 giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus. Children should be able to see the driver and the driver see them. They should wait for a signal from the driver that it’s clear to cross.
• Children should never walk behind the bus where they may not be seen by the driver.
• Children must stay away from the wheels of the bus at all times.

Bike it or hike it back to school
Either way — here are some tips to help your kids get smarter about safety:

Bike it back — Kids should:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Be sure there are reflectors on pedals, frame, and wheels.
• Remember that bright colored clothing helps to increase visibility.
• Secure a flashing light to the rear of the bicycle to increase visibility.
• Never text or talk on a cellphone while biking.
• Follow the Rules of the Road ­and always ride on the right side in single file.

Hike it back — Kids should:

• Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and kids have to walk in the road, they should ALWAYS WALK FACING TRAFFIC.
• Wear bright colored clothing to help increase visibility.
• Cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.
• Walk in groups as they are more likely to be seen by drivers — there’s safety in numbers.
• Stop at the curb, or the edge of the road.
• STOP AND LOOK LEFT, THEN RIGHT, THEN LEFT AGAIN before crossing the street.
• Never text or talk on a cellphone while walking and/or crossing the street.

Take away: Be Seen — Be Aware — Be Predictable.²

As children return to classrooms this fall, safety should be a priority for every family. It is important for parents to stay up-to-date on safety precautions and to share the information with their children. Have a conversation and keep the dialogue going. Help your children get smarter about safety. Share this with family and friends so they can help ensure the safety of children.