Walk to School Safely

WALKING TO SCHOOL

1. For the first few days, walk your children to school along the safe route suggested by the school. This route directs children to cross busy streets where there is the protection of school crossing signs, traffic signals, or a school crossing guard.
2. Walk with your children even if you would normally drive them, since there may be a time when you are ill and they have to walk alone.
3. Cross only at corners. Your children will follow the route you teach them, so set a safe example.
4. Tell your children to take the same route every day. This will make it easier to locate them if they are late coming home or do not arrive at school.
5. Point out any potential hazards, such as driveways, alleys, and railroad tracks along the route, and explain what to watch for and what action to take.
6. Identify houses with Block Parent signs along the route, and inform your children they can go there in case of an emergency (e.g., if they are approached by a stranger).
7. When crossing the street, let your children tell you when it’s safe to cross. Have them make the decision to gain practice, and assess if they make good judgments or need more teaching.

STOP

8. At any street, ensure your children stop at the curb. Remind them that most accidents happen when children run into the roadway. Teach them to look left and right, and also ahead and behind for turning cars. Show them where and what to look for. If something is coming, have them wait until it passes and then look all ways again. Be patient!
9. Teach your children to walk across the street. Running may prevent them from noticing approaching vehicles and reacting to mistakes.
10. Have your children keep looking for traffic as they cross.
11. When a parked car blocks your children’s view, teach them to look all ways. If it’s safe, walk out only far enough to see past the parked vehicle and then look all ways again. Remember, your height and view is different from theirs.
12. At a traffic signal, teach your children to look only at the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs directly across the street they want to cross. The many lights at the corner can be confusing. Remind them that the red and green signals are for drivers only. Explain the meanings of the “Walk,” the flashing “Don’t Walk,” and the steady “Don’t Walk” signals.

13. “Walk” means they can start crossing, but only if it is safe. Teach your children to check for cars running the red light and cars that may be turning (right, left, or right on red) before stepping into the street.
14. Explain that children often view adults as trustworthy and think they won’t make mistakes, but drivers do make errors. Warn them about the dangers of cars running red lights. Reinforce this with examples, like pointing out cars with dents or discussing accidents they’ve seen.
15. Teach your children how to identify when a car is about to turn and what a turn signal means.
16. Inform your children about the dangers of cars turning right on red, especially when drivers may not look in their direction. Emphasize that they must ensure the driver is looking at them before walking in front of a car waiting to turn right on red.
17. The flashing “Don’t Walk” signal means they should not start crossing the street but should continue if they are already in the roadway.
18. The steady “Don’t Walk” signal means they should not cross the street and should wait for a new “Walk” signal.
19. Review the “What I Learned Today” flyer with your children to reinforce these lessons.
20. If there are adult school crossing guards along the route to school, introduce your children to the guards. Explain that these guards are there to help them. Practice crossing with the guard’s assistance so your children understand they must follow the guard’s directions when you’re not there. Also, instruct your child on what to do if they ever arrive at a corner and the guard is not there.
21. When you reach school, if safety cadets are on duty, explain that they are there to help your children cross the street safely.
22. Walk your children to school as often as necessary, and remember to set a good example for them—not only on the way to and from school but anytime you’re together.

RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS

1. For the first few days of school, walk your children to the bus stop. Choose the safest route and teach them the same safety principles discussed in the “Walking to School” section.
2. Arrive at the bus stop about 5 minutes early. The pick-up time will be provided on the information notice mailed to you.
3. There may be multiple buses stopping at the corner. Ensure your children know their bus number, which is located to the left of the entry door.
4. The school bus may pick up passengers at any of the four corners. Be alert for buses coming from any direction. After the first day, routes should remain consistent. Once you identify the pick-up corner, direct your children to wait there. Go over the school safety rules and the rider responsibilities sheet with your children.
5. Meet your children at the bus stop at the end of the day.

Questions about busing provided by Milwaukee Public Schools should be directed to the Department of Transportation Services at (414) 475-8922.

CAR PASSENGER SAFETY

1. Since more children are injured as car passengers than while walking or biking, consider having your children walk if it’s safer. If you must drive them, always instruct them to wear safety belts. Teaching them to buckle up now will form a habit they’ll carry for life.
2. Set a good example by always wearing your own safety belt.
3. Parents driving to school can create dangers for both their own children and others.