School safety tips for traffic from AAA are shared as the new academic year of 2025-26 commences
As the 2025-26 school year begins, it's crucial to prioritise safety during school transportation. Whether you're a school bus rider, a pedestrian, or a bicycle rider, following some simple guidelines can help create a safer environment for everyone involved.
School Bus Riders
When waiting for the bus, stand at least six feet away from the curb. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the driver signals to cross. Once crossing the street, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see you. Learn and practice proper ways to get on and off the bus, and always buckle seat belts if available.
Pedestrians
Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic. Always stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections only, and avoid distractions like texting, phone calls, or using headphones while walking.
Bicycle Riders
Always wear a properly fitted and secured helmet. Ride on the right side of the road, in single file, with traffic. Come to a complete stop before crossing streets and walk the bike across. Use hand signals when turning. Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility.
Drivers and Motorists
Slow down in school zones (typically 20 mph). Stop and yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks. Never pass a stopped school bus with red flashing lights. Avoid blocking crosswalks or double parking near schools. Be particularly cautious of children who may unpredictably enter the street.
These collective precautions help create a safer environment for children commuting to school by bus, on foot, or by bicycle during the busy back-to-school period. It's important to remember that every road user has a role to play in ensuring safety.
Lori Weaver Hawkins, public affairs manager for AAA Blue Grass, emphasises the importance of safety during this time. She reminds motorists to stop for school buses when they are stopped with flashing lights and extended stop arm. Parents dropping off and picking up their children at school should follow school drop-off and pick-up procedures, avoid double parking, not load or unload children across the street from the school, have children exit the vehicle on the "curb side," and slow down, eliminate distractions, and watch for children.
For children riding bicycles to school, it's important to ensure they have the skills to ride safely and understand traffic safety rules. They should ride focused and alert, never using earbuds or electronics while riding.
Remember, safety should be a top priority during this back-to-school season. Let's work together to keep our children safe on the roads.
In Kentucky, during the 2025-26 school year, safety in transportation is a focal point to ensure children's education-and-self-development and personal-growth are not compromised. Whether as a school bus rider, pedestrian, or bicycle rider, following safety precautions like standing away from the curb, using crosswalks, wearing helmets, and avoiding distractions significantly contributes to promoting safety. Encouraging these practices is essential for the overall safety of children and the success of their learning.
