For more information, contact our Transportation Department.
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, our clocks will “Spring Forward” an hour, resulting in darker morning commutes. What does that mean for students? The beginning of Daylight Saving Time (DST) means that students and families should consider extra safety measures when traveling to school and bus stops.
When walking or biking home to school:
Wear bright colors. It will be darker on the way to school. Students should wear bright colors to be spotted easily by motorists, or wear a backpack, jacket, or hat featuring reflective fabric.
Don’t go alone. If old enough to walk or bike without an adult, arrange travel to school with a friend or group, as well as wearing bright colors.
Stay alert. It is easy for students to get distracted by their phone, cars, and other pedestrians when walking to school. Remind them to keep alert and aware of their surroundings, and walk on the designated sidewalk or walkway.
Cross the street safely. Students should maintain focus and look for oncoming traffic in both directions before crossing the street. It's also important for them to continue looking for vehicles until they have finished crossing.
When riding the bus:
Get to the bus stop early. Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive at the bus stop. Ensure that your child is 6 feet (or three giant steps) away from the curb/roadway at all times.
Get on, off, and ride the bus safely. Remind them to wait until the bus is completely stopped and the door is open before attempting to enter or exit, and use the handrail on the stairs. When the bus is in motion, everyone should stay seated, keep all body parts and school materials inside the bus, ensure the aisle is clear of books and bags, and use a seatbelt if one is provided.
Always use caution around the bus. The United States Department of Transportation states that almost all bus-related injuries involving children happen outside and around the bus. The ”danger zone” is considered 10 feet around the bus on all sides. Students should never walk behind a school bus and always make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing (at least 10 feet) in front of the bus to ensure that you are seen. If your child drops something near the school bus like a phone or a book, the safest thing for them to do is to get the bus drivers attention, then tell the bus driver right away before attempting to retrieve the item.