Pull out a calendar because you may not believe it, but August is rolling around, and school is almost back in session! We hope everyone across Georgia had a safe and enjoyable summer. Let’s start the school year by dusting off our thinking caps and reviewing a few road safety rules.
First, drivers, remember to follow the reduced speed limits in school zones and to slow down and watch out for kids around busses, schools, and residential areas. Always ensure you’re compliant with laws, signs, signals, and crossing guards, etc.
Parents, please remind your children to stay S.A.F.E. while waiting for the school bus:
- Stay at least ten feet — five giant steps — away from the curb.
- Always wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the bus driver signals you to board.
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus.
- Exit the bus after it stops and look left-right-left for cars before crossing a street.
If your child rides a bike to school, remind them to always wear a helmet, to ride with the flow of traffic, and to stay in the bike lane when possible. Take some time to review arm signals with them so they can alert cars of their anticipated directions and moves.
For those who walk to school, walk on the sidewalk when possible. Use marked crosswalks when available and look both ways before crossing. It should go without saying that drivers must remain alert and avoid distracted driving, but bikers and walkers should also heed this rule. It is everyone’s responsibility to stay alert and safe on the streets.
We hope these tips have your family ready to arrive to school and home safely, and that the 2024-2025 school year is the best one yet. Happy learning!
Learn more about school safety on the NHTSA website.