WCSO offers school safety tips

The Washington County Sheriff's Office is concerned about the safety of our children.  We receive several complaints every year concerning motorist speeding through school zones and running school bus stop signs.  Last school year, there were several motorists ticketed for failing to stop when the school bus extended its stop sign and as a result put our children at risk.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking motorists to pay special attention to speed limits in school zones.  Take your time and be patient with the increase in traffic at and around schools in the county.  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office would like to share the following tips to help make this a safe, enjoyable school year!

Personal Information Children should know –
Be sure your child knows his or her home phone number (including area code) and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to use 911 for emergencies. Make sure your child has enough change to make a phone call or they carry a telephone calling card.

Riding the Bus

School bus transportation is safe. In fact, buses are safer than cars!  More often than not,  deaths involving school buses and injuries didn't occur in a crash, but as the pupils were entering and exiting the bus. Remember these safety tips:

·         Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.

·         Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.

·         When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back away from the bus.

·         Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.

·         Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it's okay to approach.

·         Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!

Walking and Biking to School

Even if you don't ride in a motor vehicle, you still have to protect yourself. Because of minimal supervision, young pedestrians face a wide variety of decisions making situations and dangers while walking to and from school. Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:

·         Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard -- never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.

·         Walk your bike through intersections.

·         Walk with a buddy.

·         Wear reflective material...it makes you more visible to street traffic.

Riding in a Car

·         You might have heard before that most traffic crashes occur close to home ... they do.

·         Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower your risk of injury by 45%.

·         You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.

·         Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older kids in seat belts, younger kids in booster seats and little kids in child safety seats.

Tips for Motorists -

·         Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits.

·         Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or unload children. State law requires you to stop.

·         Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.

·         Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops and for those who may dart into the street without looking for traffic.

·         When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.

·         When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to school and may not be thinking about getting there safely.

Tips for Parents -

·         Be a good role model. Always buckle up in the car, always wear a helmet when biking, and always follow pedestrian safety rules.

·         Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school or as they wait at the bus stop.

·         Provide your children with bright clothing so motorists can easily see them.

·         If your child is under 4 years old and weighs less than 40 pounds, make sure the child is properly buckled up in a weight-appropriate child safety seat in the back seat. Children, ages 4-8 weighing over 40 pounds and measuring four feet nine inches or less should ride in a booster seat. In addition, safety experts advise that all children under the age of 12 should ride in the back seat.

·         Make sure that your teen driver understands and obeys all state traffic laws.

Tips for Students -

·         Always buckle up when riding in a car. Be sure to remove your backpack before getting in the vehicle. Never buckle your safety belt with your backpack on.

·         Always ride in the back seat. It is the safest place for young people.

·         Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.

·         If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off the bus, and riding the bus. Never wait for the school bus in the roadway.

·         If you walk to school, lean and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. It's extremely important for you to use the sidewalk when available, look left-right-left when crossing the road, and always walk facing traffic.

·         Always cross at crosswalks; obey all traffic signs, traffic lights and crossing guard instructions.

·         Teen drivers should avoid speeding to minimize distractions (talking on cell phones, eating, adjusting the radio) while driving. Teens are also reminded never to overload their vehicle; everyone riding in a vehicle must use a safety belt.

·         Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and follow vehicle safety rules.

For more school and at-home safety tips visit the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Safety Center at www.wcso.us