We're just about a week away from the start of the new school year.
Whether kids are car riders, taking the bus, walking, or riding a bike, we have some safety tips to keep in mind.
The Fire District will once again be putting out signs around school zones to remind drivers that school is back in session.
The first week we will have different vehicles in school zones with flashing lights to alert drivers.
For drivers:
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.
- Stay alert because children can be unpredictable and may ignore hazards and take risks.
- When the school zone lights are flashing, SLOW DOWN! Children are in these areas and speeding through school zones presents unnecessary dangers.
- Be patient! The first two weeks mean that people will just be getting back into the morning routine and traffic will be heavy, especially around school drop-off and pick-up times.
- The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus
For parent with kids walking to school:
- Remind children to always walk on the sidewalk if one is available. If not, walk facing traffic so oncoming cars can be seen and children can get out of the way if necessary.
- Kids should stay alert when walking and not have their face in a cellphone or ear buds/headphones in that may prevent them from hearing what's going on around them.
- Before crossing streets, make sure to look both ways. Try to make eye contact with drivers who stop to make sure it is safe to cross and they see you.
For bus riders:
- Teach children to stand at least 6 feet away from the curb or edge of a road. This is about 3 giant steps back.
- Wait to board a bus until the bus driver has turned on flashing red lights, the crossing arm has been deployed, and the driver signals students to board.
- When getting of the bus, children should pay attention to their surroundings. Distracted drivers may not see that a bus is stopped, creating a dangerous situation.
For bike riders:
- Make sure children are wearing a properly fitted helmet and reflective materials to increase visibility to drivers.
- Come to a complete stop before crossing a street and walk bikes across the street. Try to cross where there is a crossing guard to assist students.
- Parents need to teach children the rules of the road. Consider taking a few practice rides with students using the route they will take to school.
Stephen Combs, Public Information Officer PIO
Bluffton Township Fire District
843-757-2800
http://www.BlufftonFD.com
PIO@BlufftonFD.com
357 Fording Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29909
WHHI Daily News Anchor: Bob Stevens
July 2024
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