Do you know the ABC's of safety? Follow this guide to make sure your children have another fantastic school year! These tips are easier than you think!

1. BACK TO SCHOOL
SAFETY TIPS: Remember the ABC’s of Safety!

2. REMEMBER THE ABC’S OF SAFETY!
• Avoid distractions
• By the numbers
• Chart your course
• Don a helmet
• Exemplify safety
• Forego strangers
• Grab a buddy

3. AVOID DISTRACTIONS
• Research from The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration shows that taking your eyes off the road for
just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. Stay
focused on driving and set a good example for young
passengers.

4. BY THE NUMBERS
• Teach children their home phone number and address,
your work phone number and how to dial 911.

5. CHART YOUR COURSE
• Map out a route to school or the bus stop and walk it with
your child beforehand. Choose a direct route with the
fewest street crossings or with intersections that have
crossing guards. Avoid walking by parks, vacant lots and
other sparsely populated places.

6. DON A HELMET
• Kids who bicycle always should wear a helmet. The
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that a
helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent.

7. EXEMPLIFY SAFETY
• Do not exceed 15 miles per hour in or near a school zone.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a
pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 15 mph is
nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed as compared to a
pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling 25 mph.
• Remember that fines double when “STOP WHEN
CHILDREN IN CROSSWALK” signs are present. Also
remember, school zones are non-passing zones. Always
stop for buses that are loading or unloading students. It is
illegal to pass a school bus with flashing red lights.

8. FOREGO STRANGERS
• Teach kids never to accept rides or gifts from strangers.

9. GRAB A BUDDY
• Have kids walk to school with a relative, friend or
neighbor.

10. DON’T FORGET
• Safety is the top priority for children. If your child is walking or
on a bicycle on their way to school, follow these simple
guidelines to assure their safety.
1. Always stay on the sidewalk.
2. Never walk or drive in between parked vehicles. Someone
may not see them.
3. Always be sure to stay in cross-walks when you have to
cross the street.
4. When in the crosswalk, always get off and walk your bike.
5. Always stay near the crossing guard when in the street.

11. EXTRA STEPS TO TAKE
Bus Safety
• If children ride a bus to school, they should plan to get to their bus stop early and stand away from the curb while waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Board the bus only after it has come to a complete stop and the driver or attendant has instructed you to get on.
• Always stay in clear view of the bus driver and never walk behind the bus.
• Cross the street at the corner, obeying traffic signals and staying in the crosswalk.
• Yellow flashing lights — the bus is getting ready to stop. Motorists should slow down and be prepared to stop.
• Red flashing lights and an extended stop sign — the bus is stopped and children are getting on or off. Drivers in both directions must stop
their vehicles and wait until the lights go off, the stop sign is back in place and the bus is moving before they can start driving again.
Driving
• If children ride in a car to get to school, they should always wear a seatbelt. Younger children should use car seats or booster seats until the
lap-shoulder belt fits properly, and ride in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old.
• If a teenager is going to drive to school, parents should mandate that they use seat belts. Drivers should not use their cell phone to text or
make calls, and should avoid eating or drinking while driving.
• All drivers should be aware that children are out walking or biking to school and slow down, especially in residential areas and school zones.
Biking and Walking
• Students who ride their bike to school should always wear a helmet, obey all traffic signs and ride on the right in the samedirection as traffic.