BACK TO SCHOOL - SAFELY

Back-to-school details can keep parents pretty busy but Northwest Fire/Rescue District asks you to make certain that your children know how to head back to school safely.

Pedestrian/traffic accidents are the third leading cause of injury death for Arizona children ages 0-14. If your young child will be walking to school, practice the route together several times. Make sure your child checks appropriately for traffic and follows other safety rules. Ask "what if" questions about potential problems, such as a stranger offering a ride, and try to find other children your child can walk with to and from school. Make sure you child knows:

• to look in all directions before crossing the street
• to obey all traffic signals and signs
• to use crosswalks whenever possible
• to never enter the street from between cars or behind bushes and shrubs
• to stay alert; no texting and walking
• to be extra alert during bad weather

If you drive your child to or from school, work out a route which allows you to drop off and pick your child up on the same side of the street as the school, or be certain he or she uses a crosswalk with a crossing guard. Always make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt.

Before the third grade, most children do not have the maturity or physical skills necessary to safely ride a bicycle in the street. If you have determined that your child is ready to ride his or her bike to school, make certain the bike is the correct size for the rider, is properly maintained and has reflectors. Teach children to:

• ALWAYS wear a helmet when they ride; it's not only safer, it's the law
• stop and look left-right-left before entering the street
• ride single file on the right side - with the flow of traffic - and signal for turns and stops
• keep both hands on the handlebars
• walk bikes across busy intersections
• obey all traffic laws and signs

Students who ride a bus also need safe habits. Bus riders should:

• allow plenty of time to get to the bus stop to avoid having to run toward the bus
• stay out of the street while waiting for a bus and avoid horseplay.
• once on the bus, remain seated until it comes to a complete stop
• use the handrail to exit; this is the most common place for fall injuries on buses
• walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus if it's necessary to cross the street.

Remember, children learn best by example. Use crosswalks, fasten your seatbelt, don't text and walk or text and drive, and obey traffic signals, signs and laws.

For additional safety information, call Northwest Fire/Rescue Life Safety Services Office at 887-1010.