Ask an Officer

Question: What are some safety tips for students traveling to and from to school? 

Answer: Kate McLaughlin, Community Policing Specialist 

Whether children walk, ride their bicycles or take the bus to school, it is extremely important that they take proper safety precautions.  Here are some tips to make sure your child safely travels to and from school.

 Walking to school

• Walk with a group of kids, and younger children should walk with an adult.
• Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available.
• The safest place to cross the street is at a street corner or intersection.
• Before you step off the curb to cross the street, stop and look all ways to see if cars are coming.
• Be aware of your surrounding; listening to music with earbuds is distracting.

 Riding a bicycle to school

• Always wear your helmet and make sure it fits correctly.
• Know the rules of the road and follow all traffic laws.
• Wear bright colored clothing or a jacket so drivers can see you better. 

Riding the bus to school

• Stand 6 feet away from the curb while waiting for the bus.
• When the bus pulls up, make sure the bus driver can see you.
• Stay away from the wheels of the bus at all times.
• If you drop something while getting on the bus, tell the driver before you bend down to pick it up.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Never run across the street in front or behind the bus. 

For more safety information on school transportation, check out the webpages for Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital Injury Prevention Center, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Ohio Department of Education.

If you would like to submit a question to Ask an Officer, contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department:  email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.