Safety Tips

August is Back to School Safety Month, NRSD would like to remind students, parents and motorists to use extra caution as students walk, drive or ride the bus to school.

Here are some National Safety Council tips as students and teachers head back to school.

For pedestrians:

  • Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk and you must walk in the street or road,      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 or crosswalks when available.

  • Never walk while texting or talking on the phone.

  • Do not walk while using headphones.

For 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 and walk the bike across.

  • Watch for opening car doors and other hazards.

  • Use hand signals when turning.

  • Wear bright-colored clothing.

For bus riders:

  • Teach children the proper way to get on and off the bus.

  • Line up six 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.

  • If you must cross the road, walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus.

For motorists, in addition to obeying the stopped school bus law:

  • Don’t block crosswalks.

  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and take extra precaution in school zones.

  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

  • Stop far enough back from a school bus to allow children room to safely enter and exit the bus. The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.

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