Schools all around our region are back in session.  A new school year brings with it many changes to traffic and pedestrian areas.  Buses are stopping to drop off and pick up students along their routes; pedestrians and bikers are out more than usual around the school areas; and speed limits around school zones are reduced and strictly enforced.

As the new school year begins, take a few moments to review common safety tips concerning drivers and pedestrians.  Some tips to remember as drivers:

• Watch for school speed limit zones signs and obey speeds and hours designated on the signs.
• Watch for and stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Keep your eyes peeled for children on sidewalks and roads near schools and obey any crossing guard signs and signals.
• Don’t follow school buses too closely and watch signals and lights flashing on the bus.
• Take extra care while backing out of or pulling into driveways.
• Pay extra attention to sides in areas where bike lanes or sidewalks are not present as there may be bikes and pedestrians on the road.
• Be alert to when bike lanes merge with roadways.
• Review your local laws for more information about driver laws in school zones and around school buses.

Does your child walk to school?  Be sure to take time to review safety tips with them before sending them out for school.  Review safety tips and rules with them often to be sure they keep them in mind while traveling to and from school.  Safety tips for children and pedestrians include:

• Whenever possible, cross streets at corners with crosswalks, school zones, or traffic signals.
• Never run when crossing a street or getting to a bus stop.
• Stay on the sidewalk away from the curb while waiting for the school bus.  Do not approach the bus until it has stopped completely and the driver has opened the door.
• Never get into a stranger’s vehicle.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike and take extra caution around roads.  Get off your bike and walk with it while crossing the street.
• While walking to or from school, don’t read, text or play any games that could distract from paying attention to traffic.

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for more tips, laws, and fun ways to review back to school safety with your children.

Get to School (and back) Safety game

Kids, the School Bus, & You – Safety Tips and Rules

We at Kuespert Insurance want to wish students of every age success and safety in the upcoming school year.