(File Photo of Busses Rolling Down Third Street in New Brighton0
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) As students go back to the classroom in Beaver County next week, AAA and PennDOT met up at Wyland Elementary School in Allison Park recently to discuss school bus safety, pedestrian safety and motorist safety. Tips for motorists include getting rid of distractions, putting your phone away or down while driving and stopping completely at an intersection and a crosswalk. These tips are to help prevent fatal accidents or accidents during the school year. According to a release from PennDOT District 11, some other tips for safety during the school year from PennDOT and AAA can be found below:
Motorist Safety Tips
- Brake for buses and abide by PA’s School Bus Stopping Law.
- Watch out for bicyclists and abide by PA’s Four Foot Passing Law.
- Plan ahead by leaving early and modifying routes to avoid school zones unless necessary.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of their vehicle to increase visibility.
- Stay in well-lit areas when crossing the street and walking on sidewalks.
- Avoid distractions like a phone, and don’t wear headphones so you can be sure to hear traffic around you when near the road.
- Always use crosswalks and use crossing guards when possible.
PennDOT is reminding parents to get their child prepared for the school commute by talking with their child about the route for waling to school or the stop for the school bus, letting children know about safe walking areas, and what to do in case an emergency occurs when children are riding on the school bus.
Tips related to the school bus for school safety include to follow the school bus driver’s instructions, knowing where emergency exits are located in the bus, how to exit the bus safety. This can help students feel increased confidence and preparation when riding on the school bus.