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I would like to welcome everyone back to school for what has been a great year so far. As we move forward in the year, it’s important to share a few reminders about safety when traveling to and from school and around school zones. Please review these safety points and share them with your bus riders, walkers, bikers and teenage drivers:
School Bus Safety
- When a school bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
- Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop and watch for the driver to signal that it's safe to board.
- Hold on to the handrail and find a seat quickly. Listen to the bus driver and sit still to avoid distracting the driver.
- If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
- After exiting the bus, cross only in front of the bus, never behind it.
- If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
Bike Riders and Walkers
- Do not ride or walk in the roadway.
- Cross the street only at a crosswalk. Look both ways and listen to the traffic before crossing.
- If riding a bike, get off the bike and walk the bike across when crossing a street.
- Do not assume that a car will stop or that the driver sees you.
- Stay alert and be seen.
- Do not accept rides from anyone unless your parents have given you permission.
- If you feel unsafe or see something that makes you feel unsafe report it to your parents, a teacher or a police officer immediately.
Driving
- When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or riding their bikes to school.
- When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in neighborhood.
- Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
- Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
- Yellow flashing lights on a school bus indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load/unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
- Red flashing lights on a school bus and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again.
Remember, it is always better to arrive safely, and safety is everyone’s responsibility.
As a reminder, please practice and emphasize to your children the importance of our “See something - say something” protocol. Use the Anonymous Reporting link that is prominent on every campus website to share a concern, or information we need to know. Or call the SBISD Police Department at 713-984-9805. |
