Back-to-School Transportation Safety Tips

As children head back to school, ensuring their safety on the journey is crucial, whether they walk, bike, or take the bus. Here are essential safety tips to help your child travel to school safely.

For Walkers:

Go over your family’s walking safety guidelines with your child and take some time to walk the route to school together.

• Use sidewalks: Walk on the sidewalk if available; if not, walk facing traffic.
• Cross safely: Always stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.
• Make eye contact: Ensure drivers see you before crossing, and always use crosswalks or intersections.
• Stay alert: Avoid distractions while walking.

For Bike Riders:

Teach your child the rules of the road and practice the bike route to school together.

• Ride with traffic: Stay on the right side of the road and ride single file.
• Cross with caution: Stop completely before crossing streets, and walk your bike across.
• Stay focused: Avoid distractions while riding.
• Wear safety gear: Ensure your child wears a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing.

For Bus Riders:

Familiarize your children with school bus safety rules and practice them regularly.

• Supervise boarding: Accompany your child to the bus stop to teach proper boarding and exiting techniques.
• Keep a safe distance: Have your child stand at least 6 feet (or three giant steps) from the curb.
• Cross safely: If crossing in front of the bus, your child should walk on the side until they are 10 feet ahead, ensuring they and the driver can see each other.
• Learn more: Consult Injury Facts for additional bus safety information.

For Parents Driving to School:

Stay focused and avoid distractions while driving.

• Follow speed limits: Obey school zone speed limits and your school’s drop-off procedures.
• Watch for children: Make eye contact with children crossing the street.
• Be cautious near buses: Never pass a bus that is loading or unloading children. Keep a safe distance from buses, especially within the 10-foot danger zone around them.

For Teen Drivers:

Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, but proactive steps can reduce the risk.

• Practice regularly: Teens are inexperienced drivers; practice with them weekly, before and after they get their license.
• Be a role model: Drive the way you want your teen to drive.
• Set expectations: Consider signing the New Driver Deal, an agreement that outlines expectations for both parents and teens.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your child’s safety on their way to and from school.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association