As kids head back to school, Sedgwick County Fire District 1 has some safety tips for both parents and drivers.
For Parents:
- Make sure your child always wears a bicycle helmet! Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 86%.
- Always stay on the right-hand side of the road and ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Be sure your child knows and use all appropriate hand signals.
- Choose the safest route between home and school and practice it with your child.
- If possible, have your child ride or walk with someone else. There is safety in numbers.
- Talk to your child about the importance of not talking to strangers. Make sure they know to report anything unusual to you or a teacher.
- Teach your children never to get into a vehicle, even if they know the driver, without your permission.
For Drivers:
- Drive slow in school zones and look out for children.
- Watch out for school crossing guards and follow their signals.
- Put your cellphone down while driving.
- Keep an eye out for children, especially near schools and residential areas.
- Be patient when driving, dropping kids off and picking kids up from school.
- Never pass a stopped school bus.
- Always stop for school busses that are loading and unloading children.