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16 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe on their Morning Commutes

Posted by: Joe Schwartz

Published: August 19, 2021

The back-to-school commercials are starting to pop up everywhere and Labor Day is right around the corner. As summer starts to wind down and we begin planning for the upcoming school year, it's important to have a plan in place for getting your children to school safely. Whether your children take the bus, walk, bike or are driven, there are steps you can take to ensure their safe arrival. Review these 16 steps with your child to prepare them for the year ahead.

Bus Riders:

  • While on the bus, keep hands inside the windows and talk quietly as to avoid distracting the driver.
  • Remain seated until the bus has come to a full stop, allowing you to exit.
  • When crossing the street, always cross in front of the bus and at least ten feet ahead. Also, wait for the driver to single you over, indicating traffic is clear.
  • Never attempt to retrieve an item from under the bus. If something does fall beneath, report it to the driver.
  • Parents: Get to know the other people at your bus stop and be mindful of any strangers or new faces.

 Walkers:

  • Avoid distractions while walking such as texting or listening to loud music with headphones.
  • When available, always use a sidewalk. If a sidewalk is not present, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
  • Prepare for poor weather by having an umbrella on hand or extra layers of clothing for the cold.

Bike Riders:

  • Wear brightly colored clothing to make yourself easily seen by drivers, especially in the early mornings.
  • Know the rules of the road and understand that you are sharing them with drivers.
  • Use hand signals while making turns.
  • Be mindful of sudden obstacles, such as car doors opening or a car pulling onto the road.

Teen Drivers:

  • Give yourself ample time in the morning to prevent speeding or reckless driving.
  • Be aware of pedestrians and school zones, always yielding to walkers in crosswalks.
  • Never pass a school bus that has its stop sign out, with no exceptions.
  • Eliminate distractions such as texting, eating or playing with the radio. Distracted driving, especially in a school zone, is reckless driving.

So there you have it, simple tips that can make everyone’s morning commute much smoother and safer. Have a great school year!

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Related Topics: Home Safety

Author

Joe Schwartz

Joe is a Marketing Specialist for Doyle Security responsible for online content management.

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