For a Safe and Happy School Year

Every year, thousands of children are injured or killed in accidents on their way to and from school. Help protect your kids by educating them on proper safety, no matter what form of transportation they use. Discuss where to expect crossing guards and point out spots where they need to be extra careful. Also, never leave your child alone at the bus stop – always make sure others are there.

Be sure to cover these important safety points with your child:

bus

• Wait in a safe place, away from the street and traffic.
• Do not board the bus until it comes to a complete stop.
• Walk ten giant steps away from the bus when exiting so the driver can see you.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.

walking/biking

• Wear reflective material to make yourself more visible to street traffic.
• Walk your bike through intersections.
• Pay attention to the crossing guard.
• Obey all traffic signals and never cross against a light.
• Always walk with a buddy.
• Wear a bike helmet.

car

• Wear your seatbelt to lower your risk of injury by 45%.
• Children should be in child safety seats or booster seats, and older kids should wear seatbelts.
• Be sure that older kids who may be driving to school know how to handle emergency situations like a flat tire, empty gas tank, fender-bender, etc.