Keeping Your Kids Safe on Their Way to School

School Bus Safety

  • While at the bus stop, wait quietly in a safe place well away from the road.
  • When entering the bus, go directly to a seat. Remain seated and face forward during the entire ride.
  • Always speak quietly on the bus so the driver will not be distracted.
  • Respect the “Danger Zone” which surrounds all sides of the bus. The “Danger Zone” is ten feet wide on all sides of the bus.
  • Always remain 10 steps away from the bus to be out of the “Danger Zone” and where the driver can see you.
  • Always cross the street in front of the bus. Never go behind the bus.
  • If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver before you attempt to pick it up, so they will know where you are.

Safe Kids USA recommends that children:

  • Always cross the street with an adult until age 10.
  • Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
  • Look left, right, and left again when crossing.
  • Always walk, never run, when crossing streets.
  • Walk on sidewalks or paths.
  • Walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible if there are no sidewalks.
  • Ride with traffic on right side of street.
  • Never run out into the street or cross in between parked cars.
  • Wear a properly fitting helmet every time they ride a bicycle.

Wear your helmet the right way

  • Straight – two fingers from the eyebrow to the helmet brim.
  • Snug – helmet should be snug and the straps should form a “V” under ears.
  • Snapped – you should only be able to put two fingers between chin and chinstrap.

Be Safe, Be Seen

  • Wear bright clothes.
  • Wear retro-reflective materials or carry a light source at dusk or dawn.

Parking Lot Safety

  • When parking next to a curb, have child get out on curbside.
  • If no curb, have child get out on same side of the car as an adult.
  • Walk, do not run.
  • Have the child stay close or hold hand of an adult when walking in a parking lot.
  • Walk two steps away from rear bumpers; never walk right next to the bumper of cars.
  • Teach children to listen for running vehicles and watch for exhaust and brake lights so they learn to know when a car might be backing up.
  • Never cross the street in between parked cars.

Tips for Parents:

Be a role model for your children:
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Wear a seat belt.
  • Cross at crosswalks or corners.
Drive Smart
  • Slow down and be alert in residential areas and school zones.
  • Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
  • Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
  • Watch for children on or near road in the morning and after schools hours.
  • Reduce distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
  • Never leave your child alone in a vehicle.
  • Always lock car doors and trunks and keep keys out of children’s reach.

Please visit: HealthONE Injury Prevention