As families are preparing for another school year, ThedaCare and the Appleton Police Department are teaming up for a back-to-school series. The series will feature topics that can help students and families gear up for a safe, healthy and successful school year.
In this article, the second in the series, the organizations will provide recommendations to help families with bus and car safety tips.
The most recent national household travel survey data shows that 33.2% of kids take a school bus to school, while 54.2% travel in a private vehicle. With more than 87% of kids taking some kind of motorized vehicle to and from school, it is important to help them stay safe while doing so.
“As students head back to school, it’s crucial for everyone to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings,” said Lieutenant Meghan Cash with the Appleton Police Department. “Increased traffic, distracted driving, and hurried pedestrians create a potentially hazardous environment. We urge drivers to slow down, obey school zone speed limits, and stay alert for children crossing the streets. Safety is a shared responsibility, and taking a few extra precautions can prevent tragic accidents.”
Bus safety
It’s crucial for kids – and drivers – to know and follow bus safety guidelines.
Safety begins at the bus stop. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, children should stay at least three big steps away from the curb when waiting for the bus. They should also wait to approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop and the driver says it’s safe to get on.
Parents and caregivers should review safe walking rules with children so they can travel safely to and from the bus stop. If kids must cross the street when getting off the bus, have them stay at least five big steps away from the front of the bus and look both ways for other traffic.
When on the bus, children should listen to the driver and follow their directions.
For drivers, never pass a stopped school bus with its red warning lights and stop arm activated. It’s not only illegal, it also risks the safety of students.
School Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Anyone who is around a school when kids are coming or going knows it can get hectic. Both drivers and students must be aware of their surroundings.
Here are some rules and guidelines to follow:
- Plan ahead. Leave a few minutes early in the morning to avoid congestion around the school’s doors. If you allow plenty of time, everyone will be more relaxed, helping to create a good start to the day.
- Follow the school’s rules. Stick to the designated drop-off and pickup zones. Ensure kids also know where they’re supposed to go. Don’t drop off your child in the street to save time or avoid lines.
- Stay in your vehicle during drop off or pickup. School staff are usually assigned to help students transition safely from the vehicle to the school.
- Be mindful. Put away distractions, such as your phone, so you can stay focused on the traffic and children. Also, remember other families are in the same situation.
- Be patient and polite. This helps ensure a smooth traffic flow and minimize everyone’s stress.
- Follow posted speed limit signs. This goes without saying, but drivers must obey the 15 mile-per-hour speed limit in school zones.
“Remember that saving a few minutes is not worth the risk to anyone’s safety,” said Dr. Nathan Larsen, an Emergency Medicine Physician at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca and New London. “Let’s all commit to keeping kids safe this school year.”
