Keep kids safe on their way to and from school

In days past, parents used to be able to send their children off to school without a second thought about whether they would return safely. And while children are still in good hands during class time, there are dangers that they face outside school that parents should be aware of.

With classes back in session, it’s important for parents and non-parents alike to make sure they have children’s safety in mind, especially when they’re behind the wheel.

There’s no mistaking school buses for anything else on the road: The yellow behemoths take up so much space that they’re virtually impossible to miss. The students stepping off of those buses, however, are a different story. Drivers need to be cognizant of where buses are stopping and to give them their undivided attention when students are getting out.

It’s not just coincidence that buses use a light system similar to traffic lights. When a bus is preparing to stop, it flashes yellow lights. When it is stopped, the lights are red. Not only is it illegal to pass a bus whose door is open and whose red lights are flashing — from either direction — but it can put children’s lives in danger. Breaking the law may get you where you’re going a minute or two sooner, but it’s not worth the risk. Stay at least 20 feet from a stopped, red-flashing bus.

If your children ride a bus, remind them that they should always cross in front of it, where the bus driver can see them — and where other drivers expect them to be.

If your kids walk to school, make sure they use crosswalks where there are crossing guards. If you can’t walk with them, plan a specific route for them to take to the bus stop or school, so you’ll always know where they should be on the way there or back. Their route should cross as few streets as possible and, if possible, avoid busy streets.

Drivers need to be observant not only when there are buses on their routes, but whenever they are in or near a school zone. Obeying posted school-zone speed limits may make you feel like you’re slowing to a crawl, but you’ll endanger the children gathered there, as well as your driving record, if you ignore them. Pay extra close attention during the hours when school is starting or letting out.

Given the hectic pace at which we live these days, and the distractions and dangers our children face when they leave for school, it is more important than ever that we take all necessary precautions to keep them safe. The back-to-school season should be a fun time for them, and it’s up to the rest of us to make sure that getting to school, and getting home, are danger-free.