Back to school safety tips for kids and parents

Before the first-day's bell rings, discuss these back-to-school safety tips to help keep your child safe.

Safety tips for kids walking to school

While a fun and easy way to get in some exercise, there are some pedestrian safety tips to remember while walking to school.

• Map out a safe route on sidewalks and across crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, try to walk on the side of the road so you can be facing traffic.
• Practice walking the route with your child before the first day of school.
• Review paying attention to traffic and using crosswalks. Crossing the street should always be done at the corners or crosswalks — never mid-street. Before crossing the street look both ways and check that the car comes to a full stop. Something to consider is making eye contact with the driver to help increase the likelihood they see you.
• Find schoolmates who live along the way and want to walk, too. Always have a buddy and never walk alone.
• Avoid horseplaying or pushing/shoving while walking to school.
• Outfit your child with helpful safety gear, including reflective tape on backpacks, jackets or shoes.
• Stress that phones should be put away, and eyes forward and alert.
• Never talk to strangers and never get into vehicles with them.

Safety tips for kids biking to school

For some kids, riding a bike to school is convenient and fun. Review the following safety tips for bike riding.

• Find the safest route possible on well-lit streets with minimal traffic.
• Invest in safety gear, including bike lights and a properly fitting helmet.
• Wear light-colored clothing or reflective vests especially in the winter months when it's darker later during the morning and earlier in the evening.
• Discuss traffic rules and bike signaling; and try to ride on the right side of the road when possible.
• Don't bike alone and always have a buddy to ride with. Try to ride single file.

School bus safety tips

For many kids, the school bus is how they get to school. Remember to:

• Introduce yourself and your child to the bus driver.
• Try to make a habit with your child of getting to the bus stop 5 minutes before the bus is supposed to arrive to help your child avoid missing it.
• Go over what stop to get off at, along with what to do if your child accidentally gets off at the wrong stop.
• Explain the importance of always being in clear sight of the bus driver.

Check out additional school bus safety tips to help your child be in the know.

Tips for teens driving to school

Learning to drive is a rite of passage for most teens, but one that comes with increased responsibility. Here are a few reminders.

• Establish safe routes to and from school, and have your child practice driving the route with a licensed adult. Consider teaching your teen driver an alternate route in case of construction or traffic-delays caused by accidents.
• Prohibit smartphone use while driving, which is now illegal in many states.
• Understand the state laws for teen driving such as passenger restrictions.
• Limit driver distraction by banning eating and drinking while driving.

Tips for parents driving kids to school

Many parents will find themselves driving kids to school and picking them up. Even if you were a pro last year, it’s good to review back to school safety tips for drivers as the new school year approaches. Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re behind the wheel in a school zone.

• Be mindful of children walking to school and exiting vehicles.
• Don’t double park. This will allow your child to exit your vehicle at the curb.
• Carpooling multiple children can help reduce car congestion.
• Never block a cross walk to make pedestrians walk around your vehicle.
• Stop for school busses when the lights are flashing and the stop sign/stop arm is engaged.
• Follow the directions provided by the school patrol or crossing officer.

Playground safety tips at school

School playgrounds can be a fun place for kids with some simple playground safety tips.

• Talk about playground safety rules, such as checking that equipment is dry and taking turns.
• Help kids identify a specific adult to ask for help if they feel unsafe or have a difficult interaction with another child.
• Work with younger kids to help them memorize your contact information, specifically phone numbers of parents, other caregivers and emergency contacts.

School zone safety tips

Whether you are driving through a school zone or dropping a student off at school, extra attention is required. Here are some driving reminders.

• Slow down and follow and obey the posted speed limits.
• Never pass other cars or school buses.
• Watch out for crossing guards and watch for their signals.
• Avoid texting or using cell phones while driving.
• Never change lanes in a school zone.
• Follow all school drop off procedures.
• Avoid handicap and emergency vehicle lanes or spaces when dropping off or picking up a student.