Photo Credit: Bizuayehu Tesfaye, Las Vegas Review Journal
from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Just in time for back to school – check out these tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Whether you’re a parent, student, driver, bus rider, cyclist, or pedestrian, there’s a safety tip for you!
Safety reminders for drivers:
School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road. They’re designed to be safer than passenger vehicles in preventing crashes and injuries; and in every state, stop-arm laws exist to protect children from motorists.
Yellow flashing lights on a school bus mean slow down because the bus is preparing to stop. There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children. Red flashing lights mean stop. Drivers should wait at least 20 feet behind the bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stop.
Parents: Talk about bus safety with your children:
Once your child arrives at the bus stop, here’s how they can play it safe:
- Stay at least five steps away from the curb
- Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals for children to begin boarding
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus
- Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
Staying Safe on Two Wheels
Always wear a correctly fitted helmet and bright clothing if possible; ride in the same direction as traffic and follow traffic signs and signals; stay in the bike lane whenever possible; never use electronics while riding – they are distracting.
Pedestrian Safety – Watch the Road
Use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic. Use marked crosswalks to cross the street wherever possible and look left-right-left for vehicles or bicycles before crossing. If possible, make eye contact with the driver before crossing. And finally, don’t become distracted – watch the road, not your phone!
