Student Traffic Safety

Help your students learn these important skills to travel safely whether they are walking, biking, or taking the bus to school.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

  • Cross the street at crosswalks

    • If there are no crosswalks, cross at the street corner.
    • Look left, right and left again before crossing the street.
    • Continue looking until safely across the street. 
    • When crossing at an intersection, pedestrians should check for vehicles turning the corner.
    • Make eye contact with the drivers so you know they see you.
    • DO NOT cross between parked cars.
    • DO NOT run out into the street.

  • ​Use sidewalks

    • ​Sidewalks are the best choice as they separate people walking from cars.

    • If there are no sidewalks it is recommended to walk facing oncoming traffic as far to the side of the road as possible to provide additional space between you and oncoming cars.

  • Stay alert

    • ​Be on the look out for cars, especially backing out of driveways or turning
    • Don't wear headphones or be using your phone or other devices while walking
 

Bicyclist Safety Tips

  • Wear a Helmet

    • ​Make sure your helmet fits properly:

FitBike

  • Check Your Equipment

    • Are your tires inflated?
    • Are your brakes working?
    • ​Does your bike fit?
      • ​Stand over your bicycle. There should be 1 to 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) if using a road bike and 3 to 4 inches if a mountain bicycle.
      • The seat should be level front to back.
      • The seat height should be adjusted to allow a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended.

      • The handlebar height should be at the same level with the seat.

  • Wear Safe Clothes & Reflective Gear

    • ​Wear bright colors like neon and fluorescent shirts or jackets
    • Wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights.
    • Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.

  • Control Your Bicycle

    • ​Keep both hands on the handlebars
    • Carry your books and other items in a backpack on bike carrier

  • Look Before Turning 

    • When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn.
    • Watch for left- or right-turning traffic

  • Watch for Parked Cars. 

    • Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

 

Bus Rider Safety Tips

  • Waiting for the Bus:

    • Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

    • Stay in safe place away from traffic while waiting for the bus.

    • Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it's okay to step onto the bus.

  • Stay Out of the Bus Danger Zones:

    • Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
    • When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
    • If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. 
    • Never walk behind the bus.
    • If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

  • While On the Bus

    • Stay seated the whole time
    • Listen to the bus driver

Additional Resources:

Tags

Redmond SchoolPool
safety