With back-to-school just around the corner, it is important to reiterate and be mindful of school zone safety tips. At TIM, we would like to take the opportunity to remind drivers to be cautious around school zones and school bus drop-off points to ensure the safety of our youth. There are a few methods of transportation your child may use to travel to school—all involving their own safety risks. Read below for safety tips for parents.

Walking to school

Many children who live close to their school will choose walking as their method of transportation. These children must be aware of traffic, weather conditions, distractions and other risks, while on their way to school. Walking safety tips include:

• Walking with a buddy to ensure they arrive at school safely and on time.
• Pick the safest route for your child while walking to school.
• Ensure electronics are kept in their backpacks to avoid distractions.
  
  

Riding a bicycle to school

Riding a bicycle to school is a great form of exercise for children. However, there are associated risks with riding a bike to school, as they are considered vehicles as well. Bicycle safety tips include:

• Ensure your child is wearing a helmet while riding their bicycle.
• Educate them on road safety to make sure they are kept safe.
• Pick the safest route for your child while riding a bicycle to school.
• Install a bell on your child’s bicycle to warn oncoming pedestrians.
  
  

Driving your child to school

Driving your child to school is the most common method of transportation for many. While driving in and around school zones make sure you maintain the speed limit and are cautious of surrounding children and school bus drop-off zones. Driving safety tips include:

• Adhere to crosswalks and school bus drop-off zones.
• Avoiding stopping/dropping off your child in a place where it is unsafe to do so. i.e., The opposite side of the street, where your child will have to cross through traffic.
• Be cautious of children who are riding their bicycles or walking to school.
  
  

Taking the school bus to school

Many children who live further away from their school may choose to take the school bus as their method of transportation. School bus safety tips include:

• Do NOT move forward around a school bus until their red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is no longer activated and the bus begins to move.
• If you notice a school bus approaching, do a quick scan of the area for children waiting nearby.
• Always drive cautiously behind a school bus.

At TIM, we recognize that back-to school-safety begins with you. Please be mindful of the mentioned safety tips and educate your child to ensure they arrive at school and back home safely.

For more information about School Bus Safety Tips, read this Canada Safety Council article.