It’s back-to-school time again and, in addition to buying new clothes and supplies, it’s a good time to remember safety rules while driving, walking and busing.
It’s back-to-school time again and, in addition to buying new clothes and supplies, it’s a good time to remember safety rules while driving, walking and busing.
Some students are excited about going back to school after the summer of being away from a lot of their friends. They might be distracted while crossing streets or getting on and off school buses.
Some are going to school or to a new school for the first time, and will be unfamiliar with the process of getting there and the safety procedures at the school.
Drivers who have had the roads pretty much to themselves for the summer now will have to share them with the school kids. The sun is getting lower in the sky these mornings and glare could be a factor.
Below are some safety tips for motorists, parents and children provided by the West Windsor Police Department:
Tips for drivers
Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones, before and after school hours.
Most walkers are injured mid-block, not at intersections, so watch out for kids who may dart into traffic or cross where they shouldn’t.
Give pedestrians the right of way at a crosswalk. New Jersey State Law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Using cell phones, even hands-free, makes it harder for drivers to be alert to walkers who may also be distracted on cell phones. New Jersey State Law prohibits hand held cellular phone use.
Tips for parents
Discuss the safest route to school with your kids.
Map out the route on paper to help your children “see” the route before they are on the road.
Afterwards, walk along the route with your children so they may become familiar with it.
Talk about why it is safer to cross at some street corners rather than others — and to use crosswalks.
Discuss the meanings of traffic symbols with your children.
Stress the importance of allowing enough time to cross the street safely.
Make sure your children know they must walk — not run — across the street and to continue to look for vehicles.
Tips for pedestrians
Developmentally, most kids can’t judge speeds and distances until at least age 10, so younger kids need to cross with an adult.
It’s always best to walk on sidewalks or paths, but if there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
Remove headphones when crossing the street or walking in the street.
If you need to use your phone or text, stop walking.
Distraction among drivers is at an all-time high today, so try to make eye contact with the driver before you step into the road.
Tip for bicyclists
Always wear your helmet.
Ride on the right side of the road in a single file in the same direction as other vehicles.
Obey all the rules of the road.
All of the above rules might sound like common sense and, in reality they are, but if they are practiced by everyone we can avoid accidents and provide for the safety of our children.