Back to school safety tips from the Iowa City Police Department

School is back in session! The Iowa City Police Department wants everyone to have a safe and happy school year. One of the best ways to do that is to follow these tips for getting to and from school:

Walking to school

• Parents should walk or bike the route prior to school starting. Look for any possible hazards and identify a safe place for your child to go if they need help.
• Stop, look, and listen before crossing the street - look left, right, and left again.
• Be sure that even stopped drivers see you - make eye contact or wave.
• Always cross at the intersections and obey traffic signals.
• Do not cross at midblock locations unless there is a marked crossing.
• Stay on the sidewalk or bike path.
• Do not cross between parked cars.
• If someone approaches you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, do not talk to them and just keep going.

Riding the bus

• Be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Know your bus number.
• If someone offers you a ride always say, "NO!"
• Do not play in the street while waiting for your bus.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps, about 6 feet, away from the curb.
• Line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's OK before boarding.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps, about 10 feet, ahead of the bus before you cross.

Driving to school

• Drivers should pay close attention to protect the safety and well-being of students, teachers, crossing guards, and others as they make their way to and from classes and other activities.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and school zones.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians, and on curbs.
• Be prepared to share the road with young bicyclists - give no less than five feet of space when passing and do not honk.
• Watch for children on or near the road in the morning and after school hours.
• Reduce distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Do not text, email, or use your smartphone while driving.
• Always give children the right-of-way in crosswalks.

Biking to school

• Wear brightly colored clothing that will make you more visible to drivers.
• Always wear a properly fitted helmet and check your bike equipment.
• Backpacks should be tight on the upper back and not dragging on the rear tire.
• Obey traffic signals and stop signs.
• Ride on the right, going the same direction as traffic.
• Young riders should use trails, wide sidewalks, or low-volume streets.
• Always be alert for vehicles entering and exiting driveways and turning vehicles at intersections.
• Use appropriate hand signals to indicate turn signals.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County has a wealth of information for all cyclists, including trail maps, Bicycling Rules of the Road in multiple languages, and a series of 30 to 60 second bicycle education and safety videos called "Bike Shorts." You can view all of those resources here.