Red Cross issues steps to Help Keep Kids Safe
School bus in technicolor
It’s almost time for the school bells to ring again and the American Red Cross has steps everyone can follow to help make the trip back to classrooms a safe one.
“Safety should be the top priority for all students, especially younger children and those heading to school for the first time,” said Nanci Conley, executive director of the Eastern SC chapter of the American Red Cross. “Whether riding, biking or walking to school, we want everyone to arrive and then return home safely.”
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand back from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive. Other safety steps include:
• Wait to board the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has signaled to get on.
• Tell children they should only board their bus – never an alternate one.
• Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
• Cross the street at the corner, obey traffic signals and stay in the crosswalk.
GET TO SCHOOL SAFELY
If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seat belt.
• Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the lap-shoulder belt fits properly (typically for children ages 8-12 and over 4’9”) and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
• If a teenager is driving to school, parents should mandate that he or she use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
• Some students ride their bike to school. They should always wear a helmet and ride on the right in the same direction as the traffic is going.
• When students are walking to school, they should only cross the street at an intersection. If possible, use a route with crossing guards.
• Parents should walk young children to school, along with children taking new routes or attending new schools, at least for the first week to ensure they know how to get there safely. Arrange for the kids to walk to school with a friend or classmate.
