It’s that time of year again when kids are heading back to school! It’s important to remember a few safety tips while driving near schools and dedicated school zones. The Indiana State Police have put together a list of those important reminders!
Driving Safety Tips
-
ALWAYS watch for stopped school buses in the morning hours and afternoon hours.
-
Watch for children walking to and from school and waiting at bus stops.
-
ALWAYS keep your eyes on the road and be patient driving behind school buses.
School Zone Driving Safety Tips
-
Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
-
When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.
-
ALWAYS stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.
-
Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
-
Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, and in school parking lots.
-
NEVER pass other vehicles while driving in a school zone.
-
NEVER text while driving in a school zone.
-
Avoid using a cell phone, unless it is completely hands-free, while driving in a school zone.
Walking to School Safety Tips
-
Leave home early enough to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
-
Use the same route every day and never use shortcuts.
-
Go straight home after school. Do not go anywhere else without permission.
-
Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.
-
Try and walk to school with other students. There is strength in numbers.
-
Teach your children to recognize and obey traffic signals and signs.
-
Only cross streets at designated crosswalks.
-
Always look both ways before crossing the street.
-
Always walk and never run across intersections.
-
Don’t talk to strangers. Teach your children to create distance between themselves and anyone who tries to approach or make contact with them.
-
If a stranger does approach your child, make sure they know to immediately report the incident to you or a teacher.
-
Teach your children to never get into a vehicle with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.
School Bus Safety Tips
-
Make it a habit of arriving at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
-
Make sure your child stays out of the street and avoids excessive horseplay while waiting for the school bus.
-
Be sure the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on or off.
-
When riding the bus, make sure your child understands they must remain seated and keep their head and arms inside the bus at all times.
-
Do not shout or distract the driver.
-
Always listen to the instructions of the bus driver.
Student Driver Safety Tips
-
NO cell phones while driving.
-
NO extra passengers.
-
NO speeding.
-
NO driving or riding without a seatbelt.
These are just a few safety tips for this upcoming school year. The Indiana State Police will have extra patrols during the school hours and will have a ZERO TOLERANCE for those who disregard a bus stop arm or speeding in school zones.
