Back to School Safety

With schools across Connecticut opening for the new school year, here is an important reminder that roads will get a little busier in the morning and afternoon as summer comes to an end.

When school is in session, drivers should use extra caution, especially near bus stops, schools, playgrounds, and athletic fields. With the amount of accidents on Connecticut roadways, we all need to do our part to ensure safe travel for our students.

Safety tips for drivers:

• State law prohibits passing a school bus with its lights flashing. Some school buses are equipped with cameras to record passing drivers.
• Observe the no-passing law and expect the unexpected when traveling near school buses in school driveways.
• Watch for children, especially when driving in neighborhoods with school zones.
• Slow down and stay alert!
• Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
• Watch for children playing and gathering near school bus stops.

Important safety tips to remember:

• Wait 10 feet back from the road and wear visible clothing.
• Always wait for the bus driver’s head nod before boarding the bus or crossing the street. They’re watching out for you!
• If you can’t see the driver, then the driver can’t see you. Make visual contact!
• If you drop something in the road, leave it. If it’s important, make sure the bus driver knows you’re about to bend down and possibly disappear from his/her sight.
• If an important item ends up under the bus, do not retrieve it unless the driver gives you permission to do so.
• Board the bus and quickly find a seat.
• Avoid distracting the bus driver for anything other than an emergency.

I hope this information is helpful and I wish you all a safe and successful school year!

OTHER RESOURCES

Connecticut Children’s Medical Center also launched their Back to School in 2023 Toolkit, featuring blog posts and articles created by pediatric experts, including:

• Getting Back to School Sleep Schedules Back on Track– by Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg, Director of the Connecticut Children’s Behavioral Sleep Medicine Program
• 6 Ways to Raise Children with a Growth Mindset– by Dr. Preeti Sandhu, Pediatric Psychologist
• Backpack Wearing Do’s and Don’ts– by Dr. Philip Mack, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon