Back to school!

September 4, 2019 | by Avid Risk

It’s that time of year! Kids crossing street, riding bikes, and exiting school busses. They all face the risk of getting hit by a vehicle(s).

According to NHTSA from 2008 to 2017, there were 264 school-age children killed in school-transportation-related crashes. The majority of those students were not on the bus; 203 were either walking, waiting for the bus, biking, or in another vehicle.

Here are some tips to help keep our kids safe:

Drivers:

Must stop 20 feet from any school bust that has stopped and is flashing red warning lights.
All lanes of traffic must stop except in opposing lanes if they highway is divided with a center median.
The stop arm on the bus is an added communication to other drivers, but the lack of an extended stop arm is not reason to pass a bus whose red lights are flashing.
Be careful extra careful by parks and school zones.

Talk to your children about there mode of transportation to school

Walkers

Walk on sidewalks if on is available; when no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
Stay alert avoid using electronic devices.
Ensure parents and kids know the walking route.
Stand 6 feet away from curb.

Bike Riders

Wear a bike helmet.
Ride on the right side of road or bike path.
Come to a complete stop before crossing the street.
Stay alert.

Bus riders

Teach your children to stand 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb.
If your child must cross the street in front of the bus, teach him/her to walk on the side of the road until they are 10 feet ahead of the bus; your child and the bus driver should always be able to see each other.