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Getting to and from school safely |
Health and Safety News from All Children's Hospital
All Children's Hospital and the Suncoast Safe Kids Coalition are pleased to share advice on getting to and from school safely during the coming year.
STUDENTS
If you ride the bus:
- Walk to and from the bus - don't run, push or shove
- Stand back from the curb while you wait for the bus
- Wait for the driver to tell you it's OK to cross
- Cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus
- Never crawl under a school bus
- Never get off the bus at a different stop
- Tell the driver where your stop is, and stay on the bus until you get there
If you walk:
- Walk in a group, not alone
- Cross at corners or marked crosswalks and remember to look left-right-left
- Cross with a crossing guard whenever possible
- Watch out for turning cars
- Don't step into the road from between parked cars or other things that block a driver's view
- Walk on the sidewalk-if there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road so you can see oncoming cars
- Walk during daylight if possible-and if it's not, wear reflective clothing
- Never accept a ride from a stranger
If you ride your bike:
- Always wear a helmet that fits securely
- Walk the bike across busy intersections instead of riding
- Cross with a guard wherever possible
- Look left-right-left before crossing where there is no guard
- Never ride out from between parked cars or anything that can block a driver's view
- Watch for turning cars
- Ride during daylight if possible, or wear reflective clothing if you must ride in the dark or at dawn/dusk
PARENTS
Here are some important safety reminders for safe school travel:
By bus: A parent or other responsible person should walk with young children to the bus stop and wait until the bus arrives. In the afternoon, meet the child at the bus stop and walk him or her home from school. Review school bus safety with older children and remind them to respect and listen to their driver.
By foot: If your child walks to school, plan ahead! Find the safest route for your child to walk to school, identifying safe crosswalks and watching out for anything that could prevent drivers from seeing your child. A parent or other responsible person should accompany young children each way, every day.
By bike: Help your student find the safest route to and from school, paying close attention to crosswalks and anything that could make it hard for drivers to see your child.
By car: If you or another adult drives your children to school, remember that all children under age thirteen should ride in the back seat of the vehicle. In addition, every child on every ride must use a car seat, booster seat, or safety belt that is appropriate for her or his weight and height. You can call our Safe Kids Coalition at 1-800-756-SAFE for more information about child passenger safety.
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