Safety urged as students return to school

The new school year kicks off Monday, and the Blytheville Police Department has a list of safety tips and reminders for kids and their families:

School Bus Safety

-- If your child's school bus has lap or shoulder belts, make sure your child uses one at all times when in the bus.

-- Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.

-- Do not move around on the bus.

-- Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

-- Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

-- Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school building.

Car Safety

-- All children under 13 years of age should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.

-- Arkansas State Law says that a child who is less than 6 years of age and weighs less than 60 pounds shall be properly restrained in a child passenger safety seat, properly secured to the vehicle.

-- Arkansas State Law says that an operator may be cited under "Paul's Law" to prohibit drivers of motor vehicles from using handheld wireless devices to engage in text messaging.

-- Remember that many crashes occur while teen drivers are going to and from school. Require seat belt use, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations, or texting to prevent driver distraction and limit nighttime driving in inclement weather.

Bicycle Safety

-- Always wear a helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

-- Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

-- Use appropriate hand signals.

-- Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

-- Wear brightly colored clothing to increase visibility.

Pedestrian Safety

-- Make sure your child's walk to school is on a safe route.

-- Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, so carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.

-- If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely.

-- Brightly colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

-- Remember to always stay away from strangers, and you may consider letting your child carry a whistle to alert others is something is wrong.

Back-to-School Tips for Students

-- Get a good night's sleep before each school day.

-- Eat a good breakfast each day.

-- Have your school uniform or clothing ready the night before school.

-- Have a specified mealtime and bedtime.

-- Get to know your school: locations of your classrooms, principal's office, bathrooms, nurses stations, etc. Also learn fire exit routes, tornado and other emergency procedures.

-- Young children should know their parents' or guardians' names, addresses, and emergency contact numbers. The school should have them on file as well.

Capt. Ricky Jefferson of the Blytheville Police Department added that the BPD intends to place special emphasis on patrolling school bus routes during the first few weeks of school, to ensure that no drivers are attempting to pass stopped buses as they drop off and pick up children. The fine for passing a stopped bus is now $430.

To additionally ensure student safety, officers will be randomly scheduled to ride buses and patrol behind them during this time period.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com