PennDOT has released back-to-school safety tips for motorists, parents and students.
For children to get back to school safely, motorists, parents, teachers and students must share the burden of school bus safety.
Tips for motorists include slowing down. Drivers must also remember to stop at least 10 feet before reaching a bus that has its red signal lights flashing. They may not proceed until the lights have stopped flashing. When driving, motorists need to obey all flashing speed limit signs in school zones and always expect the unexpected. Children may dart into traffic, cross streets without looking or play along the side of the road, so motorist need to always be alert. Don’t assume that a child sees your car coming. According to the PennDOT press release, children generally have underdeveloped peripheral vision, approximately one-third narrower than that of an adult, so a child will not see a car approaching from the right or left like an adult would.
Parents also need to encourage safety when sending children back to school. Be a good role model, always buckle up when in a vehicle and follow pedestrian laws while walking. It is also a good idea to explain to children why we must follow these rules. Also, parents may want to walk with their child a few times to school or the bus stop. While doing so, point out potential trouble spots and demonstrate the safest areas to walk. Make sure kids wear bright clothing so they are more visible to motorists.
Teen drivers often drive the same routes that younger kids will be walking. Make sure to educate teen drivers to use extra caution in school traffic areas.
Students need to remember and be aware there is a 10-foot area around a school bus called the danger zone where the bus driver cannot see people. Children need to understand the importance of staying out of the danger zone.
