As students, parents, teachers and administrators are preparing for a new school year, Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers and his staff wants to offer a few simple ‘Back to School’ safety tips to ensure that everyone has a safe trip to and from your campus.

Whether children walk, ride their bicycle or take the bus to school, it is vitally important that they – and the motorists around them – take proper safety precautions.

Walkers
*Walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street, walk facing traffic
*Before crossing the street, stop and look left, right and left again to see if cars are coming
*Never dart out in front of a parked car
*Parents: Practice walking to school with your child, crossing streets at crosswalks when available
*Never walk while texting or talking on the phone
*Do not walk while using headphones

Bike Riders
*Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly
*Children need to know the rules of the road: Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street
*Watch for opening car doors and other hazards
*Use hand signals when turning
*Wear bright-colored clothing

Bus Riders
*Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus
*Line up 6 feet away from the curb as the bus approaches
*If seat belts are available, buckle up
*Wait for the bus to stop completely before standing
*Do not cross in front of the bus if possible, or walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the other driver

Drivers, Share the Road
*Don’t block crosswalks
*Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, and take extra care in school zones
*Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians
*Never pass a bus loading or unloading children
*The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them to safely enter and exit the bus