Safe School Commutes

Getting to school safely is one of the most important parts of your child’s day. Whether they walk, ride or roll to school, there are important things to keep in mind that will ensure they are safe and ready to take on the day. Use the tips below to help your child have a safe commute to school!

Bikes and Scooters

• Always wear a helmet that fits correctly. See the graphic at the bottom of this blog to see how a helmet should properly fit from our friends at Safe Kids!
• Secure your backpack straps so your backpack fits snug against your back while you are riding.  
• Be aware of your surroundings and ride cautiously by driveways and curves.
• Do not wear headphones when riding so you can be alert and ready.
• Keep both hands on the handlebars when riding your bike or scooter.
• Stick to your planned route.  
• Avoid busy roads if possible and always ride where it is the safest.

Walking  

• Always walk on the sidewalk and pay attention to your surroundings. Lifts on the sidewalk or seasonal items like loose leaves or snow can be the cause of tripping or slipping. If there are no sidewalks, walk as far to the side as you safely can.  
• Walk with a buddy or a group when possible.  
• Never accept a ride from a stranger.
• Follow all instructions from crossing guards.  
• Whenever possible, utilize crosswalks for crossing the street and before crossing, look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.  
• Never run into the street or walk in between parked cars.
• Consider wearing high-visibility clothing or putting reflectors on your backpack.  

Bus

• Sit down right away and stay seated.
• Buckle up! If your bus has seatbelts, always put them on.
• Listen to your bus driver.
• While waiting for the bus, stand away from the road.
• When getting off the bus, take 10 big steps away and if you must cross in front of the bus, make eye contact with the bus driver before doing so.  
• Always keep your hands, arms, feet, head and legs inside the bus at all times.
• If you drop something by the bus wheel or in front or behind the bus, notify the driver and ask for help retrieving your item.

Safe commutes are a shared responsibility. By helping your kids implement these safety tips, you can ensure they are keeping themselves and others safe on their way to and from school! To see more safety tips, visit https://www.safekids.org/

Proper Helmet Fitting Guide