Back to School Safety Tips

Here is a list of safety tips from the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Office for going Back to School:

School Safety Tips
Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office will have extra patrol officers monitoring county roads to reinforce child safety during the first week of school.

Sheriff Mahar shares safety tips for county residents. 

·         Always arrive at the bus stop early.

·         Prior to boarding, wait until the bus has come to a complete stop, the door is opened and the bus driver says it is okay to board.

·         Once on board, proceed to your seat and stay seated until the bus arrives at your school or other drop off location. Do not move around on the bus.

·         Always walk on the sidewalk when preparing to cross the street near a bus. Make eye contact with the driver so that you are sure he or she sees you.

·         Never walk behind the bus.

Tips for Motorists:

·         Remember that children are unpredictable in their actions. Take extreme caution when traveling in a school zone.

·         If you live in an area where there are no sidewalks, drive cautiously. Be more alert to the possibility of children walking in the road and playing near school bus stops. Take extra time to look for children at intersections, on mediums and on curbs.

·         Slow down and prepare to stop whenever you see yellow school bus lights flashing.

·         Never pass a school bus when there are flashing red lights.

Tips for Parents:

·         If walking choose the most direct way with the fewest street crossings. Try to have your child walk to and from school with a sibling, friend or neighbor.

·         Explain to children to stay away from parks, vacant lots, fields and other places where there might not be many people around.

·         Teach your child to never talk to strangers, accept rides or gifts from people they don’t know.

·         Teach your children, whether they are walking, biking or riding the bus to school, to obey all traffic signals, signs and traffic officers.

·         Parents, if you plan to drive your child to school, be aware of school rules for drop off and pick up.