Back to school safety tips

While school has started for some in our area, the new school year won’t start for others in South Mississippi until next week. Safety should be a year round focus with thousands of little ones walking to school and waiting at the bus stop.

It’s that time of year. As parents, teachers and youngsters are revving up for the 2018-2019 school year in South Mississippi.

Before your kids head out the door, here are a few safety tips for everyone driving and sharing the road this school year.

Drivers can keep themselves, and others safe, by leaving early for their destinations and by avoiding distractions.

Those behind the wheel should not be texting and driving any way since it’s against the law and can get you a ticket or worse yet cause an accident that could have been avoided. Pay attention especially when you approach and go through school zones.

Drop off and pick up times are especially busy at schools, so car pool if you can.

If the yellow or red lights are flashing, and the stop paddle is extended, traffic must stop to allow children to safely cross the street. The area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children because visibility can be reduced. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.

Never pass a bus from behind or from either direction if you are on a two-lane road. Traffic should be completely stopped so children can safely cross the street.

Share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists. Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections, especially when flashers are blinking in a school zone.

Bicyclists should always ride in the same direction as traffic and wear appropriate safety gear.

There are many ways to get to school. When everyone does their part, traveling with caution and care, there’s a much greater chance that our young people can reach their destinations safely.