It’s that time of year again when kids are heading back to school! It’s important to remember a few safety tips while driving near schools and dedicated school zones. The Indiana State Police have put together a list of those important reminders!
Driving Safety Tips
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ALWAYS watch for stopped school buses in the morning hours and afternoon hours.
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Watch for children walking to and from school and waiting at bus stops.
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ALWAYS keep your eyes on the road and be patient driving behind school buses.
School Zone Driving Safety Tips
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Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
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When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.
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ALWAYS stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.
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Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
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Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, and in school parking lots.
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NEVER pass other vehicles while driving in a school zone.
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NEVER text while driving in a school zone.
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Avoid using a cell phone, unless it is completely hands-free, while driving in a school zone.
Walking to School Safety Tips
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Leave home early enough to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
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Use the same route every day and never use shortcuts.
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Go straight home after school. Do not go anywhere else without permission.
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Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.
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Try and walk to school with other students. There is strength in numbers.
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Teach your children to recognize and obey traffic signals and signs.
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Only cross streets at designated crosswalks.
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Always look both ways before crossing the street.
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Always walk and never run across intersections.
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Don’t talk to strangers. Teach your children to create distance between themselves and anyone who tries to approach or make contact with them.
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If a stranger does approach your child, make sure they know to immediately report the incident to you or a teacher.
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Teach your children to never get into a vehicle with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.
School Bus Safety Tips
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Make it a habit of arriving at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
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Make sure your child stays out of the street and avoids excessive horseplay while waiting for the school bus.
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Be sure the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on or off.
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When riding the bus, make sure your child understands they must remain seated and keep their head and arms inside the bus at all times.
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Do not shout or distract the driver.
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Always listen to the instructions of the bus driver.
Student Driver Safety Tips
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NO cell phones while driving.
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NO extra passengers.
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NO speeding.
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NO driving or riding without a seatbelt.
These are just a few safety tips for this upcoming school year. The Indiana State Police will have extra patrols during the school hours and will have a ZERO TOLERANCE for those who disregard a bus stop arm or speeding in school zones.