Tips for Students Walking to School or the Bus Stop
- Choose the safest route from your home to the school.
- Select a route that is most direct and has intersections with crosswalks when possible.
- Leave on time for school and/or in plenty of time to arrive at school or the bus stop.
- Stay on the sidewalk and be aware of traffic in the area.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk and stand facing traffic.
- When near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase other students.
- Students should not wear headphones or text while walking, as they may not hear the sounds of oncoming traffic.
- Cross the street safely:
- Stop at the curb or edge of the street.
- Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic.
- Wait until no traffic is coming and then begin crossing.
- Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing.
- Walk, don’t run across the street.
- Obey traffic signs, signals and school crossing guards.
- Cross roads in crosswalks instead of making mid-block crossings.
- Be aware of drivers in parked cars that may be ready to move.
- Look for cars that may be entering or exiting driveways or alleyways.
- Do not enter the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or shrubbery.
- Be extra alert in bad weather.
- Wear bright colors so that motorists can easily see you.
- Wait for the school bus at least 10 feet from the road and further away if the weather is bad.
- Never accept a ride from people not arranged or approved by your parents.
- Develop a buddy system and always walk in groups of at least two or three.
- If possible, an adult or older student should walk with young children.
- Students should not take shortcuts or cut through alleys, private property or across vacant lots.
- Students should immediately report anyone suspicious to an adult – a parent, school personnel or the school resource officer.
RESOURCES:
Arlington Police Department Transportation Safety
Pedistrian SafetyBicycle SafetyTrail Safety
Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS)
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