Back-to-school lesson: “S” is for safety

School buses soon will be returning to neighborhood streets as their summer vacation hibernation comes to a close, their orange presence as sure a sign summer is nearing an end as the ever-shortening daylight hours.

That means it’s time to make a concerted effort to up the safety factor as kids often race care-free across streets to make the school bus on time or dash to school on foot.

Let’s make back-to-school super safe for students by following some simple driving tips:

• Exit driveways slowly with windows rolled down and the radio off.
• Go slow in residential neighborhoods, bus-stop areas and, of course, school zones.
• Look out for children at intersections, curbs and medians.
• Keep a watchful eye for students walking in or near the roadway during morning and after-school hours.
• Ditch the distractions: That means no cell phone dialing, chatting or texting while driving.
• Be aware that school buses make frequent and sudden stops (including railroad crossings), so take it slow when driving behind them.
• Never pass a school bus that is flashing its red lights. This is a signal that children are either entering or exiting the vehicle. In fact, it’s a good idea to stay far back to allow children to enter or exit safely. Here are some details on school bus safety and Illinois state law.

Street smarts

While many of us already do our part to drive safely around school students, it’s a smart idea to talk to your children about safe walking habits and to equip them with some “street smarts.” Pedestrian injury remains the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 5 to 14, reports Safe Kids USA, a network of organizations dedicated to preventing childhood injury.

Children face the greatest risk of injury while entering or leaving the school bus, according to the State of Illinois Board of Education. Most children killed in bus-related incidents are pedestrians ages 5 to 7 who are entering or exiting the bus and are struck by either the school bus or motorists illegally passing a stopped bus.

Remember, elementary-age schoolchildren are not miniature adults: They don’t understand how dangerous moving vehicles are and aren’t able to judge automobile speed or distance. They also are easily distracted and might cross a street without warning.

Safe Kids USA recommends that children cross the street with an adult until they are at least age 10 and that children cross streets at corners and use crosswalks and traffic signals. In addition, children should only walk in front of school buses so bus drivers can see them.

Another preventive measure is to dress kids in bright-colored clothing so motorists notice them more readily.

Then, of course, there are those students 16 and older who might be driving themselves to school. Parents should make sure their teen drivers understand and obey all traffic laws, advises the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Let’s work together to make sure our children grow up safe and sound by being conscientious and courteous drivers and by properly equipping our kids with safe habits.