Walking to school:

• Use the buddy system by walking to school with a group of kids and if possible, be accompanied by an adult.
• It’s recommended to find a safe route in which crossing guards are placed at every intersection. If the child is taking a new route, parents should accompany them for the first week to make sure they know how to get there safely.
• Always walk on the sidewalk. If a sidewalk is unavailable, walk facing traffic.
• Cross the street carefully. The safest way is at a street corner or intersection. Remember to look left-right-left before you cross a street!
• Walk, don’t run! By walking instead of running, kids can give drivers time to see them before entering the roadway. It also decreases the risk of injury due to falling on the pavement or in the street.

 Riding a bicycle to school:

• When riding a bicycle, always wear a helmet. Make sure that the helmet fits correctly by ensuring that it sits low on the forehead so that two fingers fit between the helmet and your eyebrows. Another way to check that the helmet is fitted correctly is to put the helmet on and look up. If you can’t see the helmet, it’s too far back.
• Know the rules of the road. Ride on the right side of the road in a single file line in the same direction as traffic. Come to a complete stop before crossing streets and wait for a driver’s signal before doing so. Mind all traffic signals and the crossing guard. Also, walk the bicycle through intersections.
• Bright is right! When riding a bicycle, wear bright colors during the day and right before the sun rises or sets.

 Riding a bus to school:

• When the bus arrives, stand away from the curb. A trick to know how far you should stand is to take three big steps away from the curb. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and you are addressed by the driver to get on. Use the handrail when entering the bus.
• When walking towards or away from the bus, remember to always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus. If you have dropped something near the bus, inform the bus driver.
• When riding the bus, find a seat and sit down. Do not get up while the bus is in motion. While on the bus, do not put your head, arms or hands outside the window. When the bus is at the designated stop, wait for the bus to stop moving completely before getting up.
• Use the handrail to go down the steps when getting off the bus. If you need to cross the street, walk 10 feet ahead of the bus so the driver can see you and then wait until the driver gives you a signal to cross.

 Riding a car to school:

• Always wear a seat belt.
• Children should be placed in the appropriate car seats or booster seats for their age, weight and size.
• Children under the age of 13 should ride in the backseat of a vehicle.
• Teen drivers should not use their cell phones to text or call and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.

 For more information, please contact MDFR’s Public Affairs Bureau at 786-331-5200.