Drivers

You may need to add more time to your commute, because when buses stop to pick up students, other drivers need to stop, too.

Yellow flashing lights mean slow down — don’t speed up — because the bus is preparing to stop. There are likely students waiting to get on the bus or parents waiting nearby to pick up children.
Red flashing lights mean stop — and wait at least 20 feet behind the bus — because children are getting on or off the school bus. Stay stopped until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop-arm is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving.
Even when lights aren’t flashing, watch for children, particularly in the morning or mid-afternoon, around school arrival and dismissal times. Be alert as you back out of a driveway, or drive through a neighborhood, school zone or bus stops.

Walkers

Walking to school is great exercise, but children under 10 years old should be accompanied by an adult or with someone who will make sure they walk safely. If you’re walking:

Use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street, and look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.
Make sure you never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.
Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.

Bikers

Riding your bike can be a fun and quick way to get to school. Be sure to do these simple things to keep your bike ride safe:

Always wear a correctly fitted helmet, and securely fasten the chin strap.
Ride in the same direction as traffic, and follow traffic signs and signals.
Stay in the bike lane whenever possible.
Never use electronics while riding – they are distracting.

Let this school year be a safe one for everyone. Stay alert, whether you’re a driver, walker, bicyclist, bus rider, or parent.