SEND CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL ... SAFELY

We are approaching back-to-school times for students across the Susquehanna Valley. Amid the excitement of new teachers, classes and friends, it's easy to forget the day-to-day hazards that go along with school attendance — particularly for younger students. Transportation to and from school, whether on the school bus, by foot or by car, is a high-risk part of the day commonly overlooked in the hubbub surrounding a new school year. American Red Cross safety experts urge parents to set aside some time with their children to discuss important precautions about school transportation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school bus transportation is one of the safest forms of transportation. However, accidents happen. On average, nine passengers under the age of 19 die in school bus crashes each year. Additionally, an average of 23 children die in these crashes as pedestrians.

"As school begins, we encourage families to develop a safety plan," said Angie Dearolf, spokesperson for the local American Red Cross. "Review basic safety rules for walking, biking or riding to school, and decide what will be done in case of an emergency."

For Bus Riders

• Line up facing the school bus door, not along the side of the school bus.
• Don't play in the street while waiting for the school bus.
• Carry your belongings in a backpack or book bag.
• Never reach under a school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen underneath.
• After getting off the school bus, move immediately onto the sidewalk or road shoulder, out of traffic.
• Wait for a signal from the bus driver before you cross the street. Walk at least 10 steps away from the front of the bus so that the bus driver can see you.
• Never cross the street behind the school bus.

For Walkers or Bikers
Young students who walk or ride bicycles to school also face a range of dangers. Remind children to follow the following tips

• Never walk alone — always walk with a buddy.
• Pay attention to all traffic signals and instructions from crossing guards. Never cross the street against the light, even if there are no cars coming.
• Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Walk your bicycle across intersections.
• Wear reflective material to be more visible to street traffic.

For Car Passengers and Drivers
Anyone who rides in a car to school — or drives, in the case of older teenagers — needs to be particularly careful. Most traffic crashes occur close to home.

• Everyone in the car should wear a seat belt. They lower the risk of injury in the event of a crash by 45 percent.
• Motor vehicles are the leading cause of death for people age 15 to 18 years old. Remind your teenager to take extra precautions if he or she drives to school, or rides with another teenage driver.
• Make sure babies and young children are in safety seats at all times during a car ride.

Creating a Communications Plan

• Compose a list of emergency contact numbers and make a copy for each family member, including children, to carry with them at all times.
• Establish an out-of-area emergency contact everyone should call if local phone lines are not working.
• Determine emergency meeting places.

Review additional safety tips.