Back to School Safety Tips

Last updated on August 07, 2019

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Monday, August 12, marks the first day of classes for Orange County Schools. The National Safety Council has outlined some tips and reminders to make sure students, teachers and parents alike are safe during the school year.

Driving Tips:

Drivers should use extra caution while school is in session. Keep the following safety tips in mind during the school year:

  • Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at red light or waiting to make a turn.
  • Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard.
  • Don’t honk or rev your engine, even if you have the right of way.
  • Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
  • Plan for increased traffic along your route.

Bike Safety:

As a bike-friendly city, it is important to remember these tips for ensuring a safe ride:

  • Get acquainted with traffic laws; cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists.
  • Ride in single-file in the direction of traffic, watch for opening car doors and other hazards.
  • Use hand signals when turning and use extra caution at intersections.
  • Before entering traffic, always look left, right and left again.
  • Make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and stokes. A horn or
    bell and a rear-view mirror is also recommended.

Traveling to and from School:

  • Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop. Choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings and, if possible, with intersections that have crossing guards.
  • Walk the route with your child beforehand. Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there aren’t many people around.
  • Teach your child never to talk to strangers or accept rides or gifts from strangers. Remember, a stranger is anyone you or your children don’t know well or don’t trust.
  • Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend, or neighbor.
  • Teach your kids — whether walking, biking, or riding the bus to school — to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers. Remind them to be extra careful in bad weather.
  • When driving kids, deliver and pick them up as close to the school as possible. Don’t leave until they are in the schoolyard or building
  • If your child bikes to school, make sure he wears a helmet that meets one of the safety standards (U.S. CPSC, Snell, ANSI, ASTM). Research indicates that a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.
  • If your child rides a scooter to school, make sure she wears sturdy shoes, a helmet, kneepads and elbow pads. Children under age 12 should not ride motorized scooters, according to recent recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  • Teach children to arrive at the bus stop early, stay out of the street, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the street, watch for cars and avoid the driver’s blind spot.
  • Remind your children to stay seated at all times and keep their heads and arms inside the bus while riding. When exiting the bus, children should wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, exit from the front using the handrail to avoid falls and cross the street at least 10 feet (or 10 giant steps) in front of the bus.
  • Tell your child not to bend down in front of the bus to tie shoes or pick up objects, as the driver may not see him before starting to move.
  • Be sure that your child knows his or her home phone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult and how to call 911 for emergencies. 
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