Safety & Wellness Segment

Ensuring Student Safety on the Way to School

Submitted by Barbara Grimm, Founder and President of School Responder, and C.J. Huff, Ed.D.

As the new school year begins, safeguarding students during their daily commutes becomes a top priority. Whether taking the bus, walking, biking, or getting a ride, each mode of transportation requires specific safety measures. In addition, all students should be taught about emergency contacts, stranger danger, and weather-appropriate attire to navigate their journeys safely.

For those riding the school bus, it is essential to wait at the designated stop, board only when the bus has fully halted, and remain seated during the ride. Students should avoid walking behind the bus and use handrails while boarding or exiting. Students who walk to school should follow well-lit, pedestrian-friendly routes and use crosswalks to safely navigate intersections. It is crucial to stay alert, avoiding distractions like phones or music, and to walk with a buddy when possible. Those who bike should always wear a helmet. Obeying traffic rules, using hand signals, and keeping your bike in good working condition helps to ensure a safe bike ride. Finally, those riding in cars should be dropped off in designated areas and be sure to exit on the curbside to avoid traffic hazards. Carpooling should include seatbelt use for all passengers. By incorporating these safety practices and fostering open communication about transportation safety, families and schools can work together to ensure students have a safe and successful school year. Whether through reinforcing proper bus conduct, pedestrian awareness, or biking habits, every precaution helps to make the journey to school as safe as possible.