Sharing the Roads with Our Students

Student safety as they travel to and from school and other events is worth supporting.

Safety from home, to school, and back.

It’s that time of year again – school has started, and that translates to more traffic and congestion on our local roads. Despite the stress this may place on our usual commute, student safety is something everyone can support.

The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) encourages every parent, student, and driver to review the following guidelines and support student transportation safety.

Students walking to school.

1. Use sidewalks: Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available. If there’s no sidewalk, walk facing the traffic to see oncoming vehicles.
2. Stay alert: Distracted walking can be dangerous. Avoid using electronic devices and stay aware of your surroundings.
3. Crossing streets: Before crossing any street, stop and look left, right, and left again to ensure the road is clear. Always cross at designated crosswalks or intersections where drivers expect pedestrians.
4. Practice the route: Parents and students are encouraged to practice the route to school together. This will help reinforce your student’s safety habits and confidence.

Bicycle safety rules.

1. Ride with traffic: Bicyclists should ride on the right side of the road, moving in the same direction as the traffic. They should ride in single-file to avoid accidents.
2. Cross streets safely: Bicyclists should come to a complete stop before crossing a street. They should look both ways to ensure the street is clear, then walk their bikes across.
3. Wear protective gear: Bicyclists should always wear a correctly fitted helmet. Bright clothing will increase visibility to other motorists.
4. Avoid distractions: Distracted riding is very dangerous. Bicyclists should always keep both hands on the handlebars and be alert to the road and traffic.

Riding a school bus.

• Getting on and off: Teach your student to stand at least six feet from the curb while waiting for the bus. If your student must cross in front of the bus, they should be far enough in front of the bus to see the driver. This will ensure the driver can see them.
• Safe distance: The area around the bus is particularly dangerous. Ensure your child understands to avoid the "danger zone," which extends 10 feet around the bus.

Driving children to school.

• Observe speed limits: Obey the speed limits in school zones and follow your school's drop-off procedures.
• Be aware of pedestrians: Make eye contact with children crossing the street. Never pass a bus loading or unloading students.
• Maintain a safe distance: The area around school buses is hazardous. Stop far enough back to allow children to enter and exit the bus safely.

Don’t forget about teens driving to and from school.

1. Practice regularly: Inexperience is a major factor in teen driving accidents. Therefore, practice driving with your teen regularly before and after receiving their license.
2. Set an example: Your driving behavior sets a powerful example. Always drive in the manner you expect your teen to drive.
3. Establish clear rules: Consider creating a driving agreement with your teen. This could help set clear, written expectations and rules for your teen’s driving habits.
4. The role of parents: Parents play a crucial role in ensuring their teen's safety. Ride with your teen occasionally to observe their driving habits and routes.

Stay alert if you share the road with school traffic.

1. Young pedestrians: Be especially cautious near schools, parks, and residential areas. Always stop for crossing guards and school patrol officers.
2. School buses: It’s illegal to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children. Pay attention to the bus's flashing lights and stop arm, and allow plenty of space.
3. Bicyclists: When sharing the road with young bicyclists, be vigilant. Leave at least three feet of space when passing and watch for sudden movements.
4. Slow down and allow more time: When sharing the road with school-related traffic, allow more time for your commute. This will help you safely accommodate school speed limit zones, additional school-related pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and unanticipated stops for school buses and crossings.

The school year has barely started.

We’ll share the road with school traffic for the next nine months. By staying alert and mindful of these guidelines, you’ll contribute to a safer commute for all students, whether they walk, bike, ride the bus, or drive to school.

On behalf of all their parents and families, the Moultrie County Health Department thanks you in advance for keeping our students safe!