Back to School: Tips for Getting to and From School Safely

School supply lists include plenty of items that help set students up for success.

Going back to school also means families will have different travel patterns and there will be increased traffic. In preparation for the new school year, be sure to keep traffic safety in mind.

• Budget extra travel time. School areas are congested. Allow more time than is needed to get where you are going
• Be aware of your speed in school zones. The posted speed limit in school zones is 25 mph
• Yield to crossing guards and 5^th grade safety patrol members. Both are an integral party to a school's traffic plan. Be aware of their presence, listen to instructions and follow traffic safety laws
• Watch out for hot spots - crosswalks, bike lanes, bus stops and parking lot entrances and exits
• Don't do anything that will distract you from the road - period!
• Yield to school buses, and if a bus has a flashing red light, you are legally required to stop and wait for the light to turn off
• Expect the unexpected. Children can be unpredictable walking, riding a bicycle, crossing streets and "horsing around" a bit on their way to and from school
• Do not drop off your kids in traffic. For everyone's safety, always pull over or proceed through your schools designated drop off zone and exit on the right side of the vehicle

Meanwhile, talk with your kids about getting to and from school safely.