Get Ready for Back-to-School Safety!

It’s that time of year again—back to school!

As students head back to classrooms, our streets become busier. Families return from vacations, school buses and public transit resume regular schedules, and more people are walking, cycling, or driving to school.

To help ease the transition and keep everyone safe, here are some important safety tips. Let’s work together to ensure a safe school year for all!

  1. Follow School Zone Speed Limits Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially in school zones. Children can be easily distracted while crossing the road, so it’s essential to slow down and stay alert. Kids may be out at various times during the day, so maintaining a safe speed throughout the day is crucial.
  2. Respect the Crossing Guard Crossing guards are there to protect children. If you reach an intersection and the traffic light turns green, but the crossing guard signals you to stop, always follow their instructions. There might be a child crossing that you cannot see.
  3. Stay Alert for Children Children are small and can be easily distracted, creating potentially hazardous situations for drivers. Stay vigilant and focused while driving. You never know when a child might suddenly step out from between parked cars or off the sidewalk, and quick reflexes could prevent an accident.

School Bus Safety

Most accidents happen outside the bus. To keep kids safe, ensure they don’t arrive too early at the bus stop, which can lead to wandering or getting into mischief. Children should wait at a safe distance from the road until the bus has fully stopped and the doors open. Teach them to walk at least three meters (10 feet) away from the front of the bus when crossing so the driver can see them. As a driver, exercise extra caution around school buses. Never pass a bus when its signal lights are flashing, as children may be crossing the road, and always reduce your speed as a general safety measure.

Safety Guidelines for School Bus Passengers and Their Parents. Talk to your kids about Bus Safety.

Getting on the Bus:

  • Be on time at the bus stop and avoid running to or from the bus.
  • Wait in a designated safe area, well back from the road.
  • Remember the danger zone around the bus—any area close enough to touch the bus. The driver cannot see you when you’re in the danger zone.
  • When crossing the street to board the bus, wait until the bus has completely stopped, and the driver ensures all traffic has halted. The stop arm will be extended, and red lights will be flashing. Watch the driver for the signal to cross, but also check for traffic yourself. Always walk, never run.
  • Hold the handrail when boarding the bus, and avoid pushing or shoving.

On the Bus:

  • Find your seat quickly and sit facing forward at all times.
  • Keep bags and parcels on your lap, and do not block the aisle to prevent tripping hazards.
  • Keep your head, arms, and belongings inside the bus at all times. Do not throw anything inside or outside the bus.
  • Talk quietly so the driver can concentrate on driving safely.
  • Save snacks for school or home; eating on the bus can cause spills or choking if the bus suddenly jolts.
  • No fighting, shouting, or playing on the bus or around it.
  • Always follow the bus driver’s instructions.

Getting off the Bus:

  • Use the handrail when exiting and step away from the bus.
  • To cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 giant steps (three meters) ahead. Only cross when the driver signals it is safe, and do so in a single file.
  • If you drop something near the bus, don’t pick it up. Instead, inform the driver or another adult.
  • When leaving the bus, the passengers seated at the front exit first. Do not push.
  • Be familiar with the bus driver’s emergency procedures.