Back To School - Watch Out For Our Kids!

THE WOODLANDS, TX Back to School – Watch Out For Our Kids!

Safeguarding our students traveling to and from school is a shared responsibility of the parents, students, school administrators, drivers, and law enforcement. Conroe ISD has a commitment to ensure that each student arrives at school and returns home safely. The Conroe ISD Police Department trains and assigns crossing guards to some of the most critical intersections and/or crosswalks throughout the District in order to assist school officials in creating a safety zone for students traveling to and from school. Along with other local law enforcement officers, Conroe ISD police officers mentor and enforce all traffic laws within the posted school zones.

With a new school year just around the corner, it means that summer camps and family vacations are coming to an end and old routines will need to be put back into practice. While a new school year marks an exciting time for parents and kids, it’s also busier on the roads and school zone speed limits are once again in play.

Please help us keep our children safe by following the safety tips outlined below.

Bus Riders

Parents should know the following:

• Buses are eight times safer than other road vehicles.
• Most school bus accidents are property damage accidents.
• Most student fatalities occur outside the bus, usually during loading and unloading.
• Students are to board and disembark at their regularly assigned bus stop.
• Students should always be at the bus stop and ready to board the bus five minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time of the bus.

Students should:

• Stand on the sidewalk and back from the roadway while waiting for the bus.
• Wait for the bus driver’s signal before crossing the road.
• Know that one of the most dangerous parts of a bus trip is crossing the road. Other traffic should stop, but don’t depend on it. Be extra careful. Always wait for your bus driver’s signal to cross, then check traffic yourself before you step from the protection of the bus.
• Never cross closer than 15 feet from the front of the bus. (About five giant steps in front of the bus.)
• Always obey the driver and follow all bus rules when riding the bus.
• Follow the safety tips for walkers to and from the bus stop

Walkers

Parents should:

• Know your child’s route of travel to and from school.
• Determine a route that ensures children cross a minimum number of major streets, have maximum advantage from protection offered by existing traffic controls, and walk on sidewalks or paths out of the street wherever possible.
• Walk the route with your child so he/she will become familiar with it.

Students should:

• Follow the same route to and from school daily.
• Cross only at crosswalks and intersections.
• Look both ways before crossing.
• Stay on sidewalks and pathways when possible.
• Not talk to strangers.

Bicycle Riders

In addition to the safety tips for walkers, bicycle riders should:

• Wear a helmet.
• Know and obey signs and traffic signals.

Drivers

• Give yourself plenty of time, don’t rush.
• Reduce distractions that may hinder you from hearing or observing what is happening outside your vehicle. (i.e. listen to music, using a cellular phone, putting on makeup, eating, etc.)
• Look for walkers, bicycle riders, and children boarding and exiting a bus.
• Stop and do not pass a school bus that is stopped with red flashing lights. It is the law and violators will be subject to fine and suspension of his/her driving privilege.
• Obey the speed limit, especially in the school zones.

Crossing the Road Safely

When boarding the bus:

• Follow the 15-foot rule.
• Stay on your side of the road, far away from traffic.
• Wait for the bus to stop and for your bus driver’s signal to cross.
• Check traffic both ways, then check again.
• Cross by walking directly across, checking both ways.
• Walk about ten feet ahead of the bumper and board the bus quickly.

When leaving the bus…

• Walk along the side of the road until you can see the driver.
• Stop and wait for the signal to cross.
• Walk and look for traffic in both directions, crossing the road quickly after all vehicles have stopped.

Keep in mind…

Drivers should stop, but they may not!


“School zones are put in place to ensure the safety of children in and around schools. While class is in session, drivers are responsible for maintaining safety and awareness on the streets surrounding schools. All children should be able to walk or bike to and from class without fear of being hit by passing vehicles.” Stated driving-tests.org’s article, This Is How You Drive In School Zones: 7 Speed Limit Tips. Read the rest of the article, here. https://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/keep-the-kiddos-safe-how-to-drive-in-and-around-school-zones/