Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015 | 2 a.m.
With school back in session this week, there are many considerations for both parents and students — gathering school supplies, finding classes and making friends. But amid the frenzy, there’s one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked: making sure your child gets to and from school safely every day, regardless of the means of transportation.
If your child rides the school bus
The school bus may seem like a controlled environment, but parents still need to make sure their children are cautious and alert while getting on and off the bus, and respectful during the ride.
• Teach your child to obey the rules of the bus. That includes sitting facing forward; not distracting the driver; not standing; using a soft, indoor voice; and never sticking anything outside the window.
• Teach your child to be cautious while loading and unloading at the bus stop. Be sure nearby cars are stopped, the bus arms are out, and the bus isn’t moving. If a child drops something near the bus, as is common while getting on or off, he or she should alert the bus driver before retrieving it.
• Arrive at your child’s bus stop five to 10 minutes early. Children running to catch the bus may make dangerous maneuvers to do so.
If your child is driven to school
If you drive your child to school, it’s important to observe school zone traffic laws and be sure your child always wears his or her seatbelt properly. Carpooling with neighbors and friends can be a fun way to travel while helping to limit traffic congestion. But do not allow your child to be driven to school by a teenage driver; the most dangerous way for children to get to school is in a vehicle driven by an older sibling.
• Follow the rules of the school zone. Drive the required speed limit, be mindful of children, always stop when a crossing guard is in an intersection, and be careful when making turns.
• Do not double park. It limits visibility for pedestrians and vehicles.
• Do not block crosswalks when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. That forces pedestrians to go around your vehicle, potentially putting them in the path of traffic.
If your child walks to school
It is essential for parents to introduce, enforce and model safe walking practices. As pedestrians, children tend to be at a disadvantage because of their small size, their inability to gauge distance and speed, and their unfamiliarity with traffic rules and patterns. Teaching your child at an early age about traffic safety will help him or her develop good habits.
• Teach your child to stop, look and listen. Children should not step off the curb until they’ve looked left, right and left again, and listened for oncoming traffic. Alleys and driveways should be treated similarly.
• Teach your child to always use sidewalks, to cross streets only at crosswalks and to always follow traffic signals.
• If there is a car stopped at an intersection, teach your child to make eye contact with the driver before crossing, to ensure the driver knows pedestrians are nearby. If there are multiple drivers in each lane, instruct your child to make eye contact with each one.
• Teach your child never to play in the street, in a parking lot or driveway, and never to run in an intersection.
• Children under 10 years old always should cross the street with an adult. Developmentally, children are unable to gauge distance and speed until they’re about 10 or 11.
• Teach your child to pay attention while crossing the street. Children should continuously scan their environment and not look down or use a phone.
If your child bikes to school
Riding a bicycle to school is a fun, active rite of passage for many children, but it also can be dangerous. Before allowing your child to bike to school, be sure he or she always follows bicycle safety rules and is a competent rider.
• Your child always should wear a helmet. The helmet should fit properly, meaning it is snug but comfortable and does not shift on the head.
• Be sure your child is riding a bike that’s the correct size. The bike should be in good working condition and have fully inflated tires.
• Have lights, reflectors and a bell installed on the bicycle.
• Teach your child to get off and walk the bicycle when crossing the street.
• Plan your child’s bike route to ensure it is safe and familiar. Go on multiple practice rides with your son or daughter.
