Back to School: Getting to School Safely

South Brunswick is an old-school town: Some kids get rides to school, but others pile on buses or even ride their bikes or walk to school.

It's part of the charm that draws residents to town.

With a new school year starting in a just a few weeks, it's a good time to review travel safety with your children. It's also a good time to remind motorists to be mindful of children traveling to school.

Parents also need to take time to talk with their children about important safety rules. The National Safety Council offers these safety reminders:

• Children who walk to school should use sidewalks whenever possible. On streets with no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road, facing traffic.
• Children riding bicycles to school should always wear helmets. They also should ride on the right side of the road, single file, following all rules of the road.
• Children taking buses should get to their bus stops early and stand well back from the curb, especially when a bus is approaching.
• Bus riders should always walk in front of a bus, where the driver can see them, and get on or off a bus when the driver says it’s okay.
• Stay seated on the bus until it has completely stopped.

“Children also should be reminded to cross streets at corners, using crosswalks and traffic signals when available,” said Vince Burks, a senior assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. “And before crossing the street, they should stop and look all ways to see if a car is coming – and make sure the driver sees them.”

Motorists also need to use extra caution, especially before and after school, Burks said. Here are five quick reminders:

• Watch for children at intersections and in crosswalks, especially those with no crossing guards.
• Take extra care when entering or exiting driveways.
• Beware of children darting out from between parked cars.
• Be careful when following or approaching a school bus, especially near bus stops.
• Don’t pass a school bus on the right and stop for any school bus that is stopped with its lights flashing while children are entering or exiting the bus.

Another risk comes into play with older students who will drive themselves to school for the first time this year, Burks said.  They are sharing the roads and parking lots with other new drivers, so it is important to remind them to be especially cautious when driving to and from school.

“Many children will be going to school for the first time, so they may not be careful when crossing the street or running to catch the bus,” said Vince Burks, a senior assistant vice president with Amica Insurance. “Older children know the routine, but may forget basic safety rules in their excitement to catch up with old friends or start classes in a new school.”

That’s why motorists need to be extra careful, especially while driving in residential areas and school zones, Burks said. “It’s important to slow down when approaching kids walking or riding their bikes, because they can be unpredictable and dart in front of you at any time.”

“The start of the school year is a good time for us all to review these basic safety rules,” Burks said. “We all need to work together to protect children so they have a safe, fun school year.”