Back to School

Back to School Reminders

 

 

 


BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY REMINDERS
FROM THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL

SLOW DOWN … BACK TO SCHOOL MEANS SHARING THE ROAD

SCHOOL DAYS BRING CONGESTION

School buses are picking up their charges, kids on bikes are hurrying to get to school before the bell rings, harried parents are trying to drop their kids off before work.  It's never more important for drivers to slow down and pay attention than when kids are present – especially before and after school.

IF YOU'RE DROPPING OFF or PICKING UP

St. Clair School has a specific drop-off/pick-up procedure.  For the safety of all the kids make sure you follow that procedure. 

SHARING THE ROAD WITH YOUNG PEDESTRIANS

A few precautions go a long way toward keeping children safe:

  • Don't block the crosswalk when at a stop sign or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic
  • Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection
  • Always stop for a school patrol officer holding up a stop sign
  • Take extra care to look out for children around the school and in all residential areas
  • Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
  • Always use extreme caution to avoid striking pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way

SHARING THE ROAD WITH SCHOOL BUSES

  • If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. It will give you more time to stop once the yellow lights start flashing. It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
  • Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children
  • If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop
  • The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
  • Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks


SHARING THE ROAD WITH BICYCLISTS

On most roads, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles, but bikes can be hard to see. Children riding bikes create special problems for drivers because usually they are not able to properly determine traffic conditions. The most common cause of collision is a driver turning left in front of a bicyclist.

  • When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the cyclist
  • When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass
  • If you're turning right and a bicyclists is approaching from behind on the right, let the rider go through the intersection first, and always use your turn signals
  • Watch for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling; children especially have a tendency to do this
  • Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods
  • Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars
  • Check side mirrors before opening your door

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones. 


ADDITIONAL BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDERS FOR DRIVERS 

  • Allow a little extra time.
  • Slow down and be alert in and around the School and residential neighborhoods.
  • Take extra time to look for children at cross-walks, intersections and on curbs.
  • Back out of your driveway slowly and carefully, watch for children walking and biking to school.
  • Watch for children on and near the street, especially in areas where there is no sidewalk.
  • Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving.
     

BACK TO SCHOOL REMINDERS FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN 

  • Kids should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old.
  • Cross the street at corners, using crosswalks.
  • Never run out into the streets.
  • Never cross in between parked cars.
  • Make sure children always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.
  • When no sidewalk is present, walk on the far left side of the street, facing traffic.
  • Parents should help their children figure out the best route to school and teach the children how to estimate when there is enough time to cross a street.