Back to School – Slow Down For Our Kids Sake
Children are back in school and with it comes the time for parents to review safe traffic behaviors with their children. It is a time for drivers to slow down, stay off their cell phones and watch for students in school zones.
Tips for getting to and from school safely
Children are getting to school in many different ways – walking, biking, by car and by bus.
Each mode of travel has particular safety issues that parents should consider for their children. Safe Kids Denver Metro and The Children’s Hospital provide tips to get kids to and from school safely.
Tips for walking and crossing the street
Until they are about 10 years old, a child should not cross streets alone. Adult supervision is vital until a child demonstrates traffic skills and judgment.
- Young children are unable to correctly gauge the speed of vehicles. When crossing the street it is vital that children make eye contact with a driver who has stopped to assure that the driver is aware that they are starting to cross the street.
- Teach your children to look left, right and left again before crossing the street. Cross when the street is clear, and keep looking both ways while crossing.
- Teach them to walk, not run.
- Children should cross at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks when available. Remind them not to enter the street from between parked cars.
- Walk facing traffic on sidewalks or paths.
Tips for riding a bike
- If your child chooses to ride his or her bike to school make sure they wear a properly fit helmet.
- Talk to them about taking the same route to and from school each time.
- Walk or ride with your child to find the safest path.
- Look for the most direct route with the fewest street crossings.
Riding in the car
Even if school is just a short car ride, insist your child is properly restrained. Many elementary school students would best be protected if they were in a booster seat. Safety experts recommend that kids stay in a booster seat until they are at least 57” (4’9”) which is usually around 8 years old.
Do not let your child wear their backpack while in the car. In a crash, the lap and shoulder belt may not protect them from injury.
On the bus
- If your child rides the bus to school, reinforce the behaviors that the bus driver and school teach the children.
- Have your child arrive at the bus stop early, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street, watch for cars and avoid the bus driver’s blind spot.
- Remind your child to stay seated at all times and to keep his or her head and arms inside the bus while riding. When exiting the bus, remind your child to cross the street at least 10 feet in front of the bus.
Use role playing
Role play with your student what they should do if approached by a stranger, come upon a dog off leash or gets lost on the way to or from school. This will allow them to better handle scary situations.
Be a role model
Parents and caregivers should model safe behaviors for their children. Buckle up when in the car, use a bike helmet when cycling and be courteous to other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Back to School Safety Resources
