Back-to-School Safety Tips for Fall 2024

WNC -- As the summer winds down and the school bell rings in the start of the new academic year, it's important for parents,

students, and drivers alike to prioritize safety. Whether your child walks, bikes, or rides the bus to school, or if you're driving them, ensuring their safety on the way to and from school is crucial. Here's a comprehensive guide to help keep everyone safe this school year.

Safety Tip: Create a Code Word for Your Child

Establishing a unique family code word is a powerful safety measure. Choose a word that’s easy for your child to remember but not something others can easily guess. Teach your child that this code word is only to be used in emergencies or if someone other than a parent needs to pick them up unexpectedly.

Make sure they understand that if the person doesn’t know the code word, they should not go with them, no matter what the person says. This simple step can add an extra layer of security and peace of mind

For Kids Walking to School

Walking to school is a great way for children to get exercise and gain a sense of independence. However, it's vital they understand how to stay safe while doing so:

Walk on the sidewalk: Always use the sidewalk when available. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the road as possible.

Stop, look, and listen: Before crossing any street, stop and look left, right, and then left again to check for cars. Listen for approaching vehicles.

Cross at corners: Always cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals, and stay within the crosswalk. Never cross the street between parked cars, as drivers may not see you.

Don’t run out into the street: Running across the road can be dangerous. Make sure to walk calmly and steadily, looking both ways.

For Younger Students or First-Time Schoolgoers

Establishing a unique family code word is a powerful safety measure. Choose a word that’s easy for your child to remember but not something others can easily guess. Teach your child that this code word is only to be used in emergencies or if someone other than a parent needs to pick them up unexpectedly.
 
Make sure they understand that if the person doesn’t know the code word, they should not go with them, no matter what the person says. This simple step can add an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

For children attending school for the first time or who are younger, it’s important to teach them essential safety information:

Know personal information: Ensure they know their phone number, address, and how to contact their parents at work or another trusted adult.

Dial 911: Teach them how and when to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

Avoid talking to strangers: Remind them never to talk to strangers or accept rides from anyone they don’t know.

For Kids Taking the Bus

Riding the bus is one of the safest ways to get to school, but children need to follow these rules to ensure their safety:

Arrive early: Get to the bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive.

Board safely: Only board the bus after it has come to a complete stop and the driver has signaled that it’s safe to get on. Always board their assigned bus.

Stay visible: Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.

For Kids Riding Their Bike

If your child rides their bike to school, make sure they understand these safety guidelines:

Wear a helmet: Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect against head injuries.
Ride with traffic: Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic, and use hand signals to indicate turns.
For Parents Driving Their Child to School

Driving your child to school comes with its own set of responsibilities to ensure safety:

Seat belts are a must: Always wear a seat belt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly, typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”. All children under 13 should ride in the back seat.

For Teenagers Driving to School

Teen drivers should be aware of the additional risks they face and follow these tips to stay safe:

Use seat belts: Seat belts are non-negotiable.

No distractions: Avoid using cell phones to text or make calls while driving, and avoid eating or drinking behind the wheel.

For Parents Considering a Cell Phone for Their Student

If you’re thinking about getting your student a cell phone, consider downloading the free Red Cross First Aid and Emergency apps. These apps provide access to first aid tips and real-time weather alerts, helping them be prepared for emergencies.

For Drivers in School Zones

Drivers play a critical role in ensuring the safety of children around school areas. Here are some essential tips:

Obey crossing guards: When a crossing guard enters an intersection with a stop sign, stop until the guard clears the intersection and all children have crossed.

Watch for pedestrians: Pay extra attention to pedestrians, especially in school zones. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back to allow other drivers to see them.

Limit distractions: Avoid using cell phones or taking your eyes off the road, as these distractions increase the risk of accidents.

Slow down: Adhere to posted speed limits in school zones, which can be as low as 15 mph. Even without signs, drive no faster than 25 mph.

Avoid double parking: Double parking can hide children from view and lead to dangerous situations.
Don’t block crosswalks: Stopping in a crosswalk can endanger pedestrians crossing the street.
Other tips include being aware of school hours, stopping for school buses, using hazard lights for stops, and communicating with other drivers when dropping off or picking up children.

As kids head back to school, following these safety tips will help ensure a safe and successful start to the school year. Whether walking, biking, or driving, everyone has a role to play in keeping our students safe. Let’s work together to make Fall 2024 a great and safe academic season!