JEFFERSON CITY – As classes begin across the state, drivers are reminded to slow down, pay attention and watch out for increased traffic as more children are near the roadway walking to school or waiting for the bus.
Here are some back to school safe driving reminders:
For Drivers:
- Be alert! Looking away from the roadway for just two seconds doubles the chance of being involved in a crash. Avoid talking on your cellphone, texting or any other activity that might take attention away from the roadway. Remember: Buckle Up Phone Down.
- When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school. Also, children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
- It is a state law that vehicles must stop when a school bus has its red warning lights flashing and the stop sign is extended.
- Slow down where speed limits are reduced in school zones.
For Students:
Parents and caregivers should talk to children about bus stop safety and traffic safety rules. Here are a few tips:
- Always stay in sight of the bus driver. Assume drivers cannot see you and never walk behind a school bus.
- Don’t hurry off the bus. Make sure to check traffic first.
- Use sidewalks where available. If you must walk in the street, walk single file facing traffic.
- Walk, don't run. Look both ways. Avoid using cellphones, ear buds and hand-held games.
- When crossing a street -- in a crosswalk or at a corner -- wait until all cars are stopped before stepping out. That means all cars in all lanes in both directions.
For more information on school bus and pedestrian safety, go to www.savemolives.com .
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Districts Involved
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