Get students to school safely

It’s likely that at least some part of every school-aged student’s journey to or from school will be on foot. You can ensure that they get to school and back home safely by using extra caution while driving around schools and parks.

Driving before and after school

Motorists should drive at high alert during the hours before and after school. According to the most recent study conducted by SafeKids.org, on average, 44 children are hit by cars each day in the United States, with numbers peaking in September. Children have difficulties gauging speeds and distances of vehicle traffic, and it is your responsibility to be alert when children are not. (Read more tips for driving safely near schools and bus stops.)

Taking these driving precautions can help keep children safe.

• Don't block crosswalks.
• Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the street.
• Always come to a complete stop for school patrol officers and crossing guards.
• Follow school speed zones.
• Never pass a vehicle yielding for pedestrians.
• Stop for stopped buses. Depending on your state’s traffic laws, passing a stopped bus may earn you a ticket. (View a state-by-state listing of school bus traffic laws.) 

Safety tips for your children

Children follow examples set by their parents and guardians. When you cross the street, look left, right, and left again. 

Before your children head off to school in the morning, remind them of other safe walking tips.

• Be aware of your surroundings. If you must text or make a call, stop on the sidewalk out of the way of traffic.
• Do not walk with headphones in your ears. When you are listening to music, you cannot hear what is going on around you.
• Walk on the sidewalk.  If you must walk on the street, face oncoming traffic.
• Cross only at crosswalks.

For more information

For information about safety for children, visit the Front Porch on grinnellmutual.com.

The information included in this publication was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, however Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company and its employees make no guarantee of results and assume no liability in connection with any training, materials, suggestions or information provided. It is the user’s responsibility to confirm compliance with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Information obtained from or via Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company should not be used as the basis for legal advice or other advice, but should be confirmed with alternative sources.