Slow Down, Watch Out. Kids Ahead! Back to School Safety Tips

Children across the region are heading back to school and Fire Chief Steve Lohr is asking all drivers to exercise extra caution and be alert as the school year begins. “Safety is our top priority. With schools back in session, drivers should allow extra time and be on the look-out for children at intersections and in neighborhoods,” said Chief Lohr. “Additionally, as a matter of safety and compliance with laws, drivers are reminded to put their cell phones down and refrain from talking or texting while behind the wheel.”

For Drivers:

·         Be alert and slow down. Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and never text while driving.  Looking away from the roadway for just two seconds doubles the chance of being involved in a crash.

·         Passengers should wear a seat belt and/or ride in an age and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. Children of all ages are safest when properly restrained in the backseat of a vehicle.

·         Exercise extra caution as you head out to work and be on the lookout for school buses. Many bus routes or schedules change each year and you may encounter a school bus or stop where you may have never seen one before.

·         Scan between parked cars. Nearly 40 percent of child pedestrian fatalities occurred between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., mostly at non-intersection locations, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children can quickly dart out between parked cars or other objects along the roadway. Motorists should pay close attention not only at intersections, but along any residential roadways where children could be present.

·         Take extra time when making a right turn on a red light and be on the lookout for pedestrians.

·         School Zones: Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods and around schools. Be alert to children as you back your vehicle out of your driveway or exit your garage.

·         Expect delays near schools, plan ahead and allow extra time to reach your destination.

·         Safety on the road is especially important for “new” drivers that may be driving to high school for the first time.

Reminders for Parents and Children:

·         Be realistic about your child’s pedestrian skills. Children are not always aware of their surroundings and may dart into traffic assuming drivers will see and stop for them. Carefully consider whether your child is ready to walk to school or wait for the bus without adult supervision and walk the route with your child beforehand.

·         Teach children to always cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks and look left, right and left again before crossing. Children may have difficulty gauging the distance and speed of an approaching car, and may not recognize and react to potentially hazardous situations.

·         If traveling to school by bike, obey the rules of the road and wear a helmet. Not only is it the smart thing to do, it is also the law in Maryland.

·         Be sure that your child knows his or her phone number and address, your work number and when to call 911 for emergencies.

·         Only drive or park in authorized areas when picking up or dropping off students at school.

·         Be a good neighbor. Respect private property and always be on your best behavior while waiting for the bus.

School Bus Safety – What Motorists Should Know:

All motorists are required by law to stop when the red lights on buses are flashing. Passing a school bus when the red lights are flashing is not only illegal it is also one of the biggest threats to student safety. Motorists should be aware that the red flashing lights and the stop sign may be engaged shortly after the amber lights are on. Vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus are always required to stop. In Maryland, the law states that vehicles must come to a complete stop on both sides of the roadway if there is no physical divider or barrier. Violations can result in a citation and fine.

Home Alone

Parents need to carefully consider the pros and cons of having a child stay home alone before/after school. Be familiar with laws and child protective policies in your jurisdiction and, because children mature at different rates, your decision should not be based on age alone. Children should master important safety skills before staying home alone. Be sure to make and practice a home fire escape plan that includes a designated “safe” area outside where everyone will meet if the smoke alarm sounds and ensure they know when and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Unattended cooking continues to be the leading cause of home fires in Montgomery County and firefighters strongly recommend having after school snacks on hand that do not require cooking. Children should only use kitchen appliances while under close adult supervision. Additional safety tips can be found on our website at mcfrs.org/mcsafe.

For the law in Maryland
Section 5-801 provides:

(a) A person who is charged with the care of a child under the age of 8 years may not allow the child to be locked or confirmed in a dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle while the person charged is absent and the dwelling, building, enclosure or motor vehicle is out of the sight of the person charged unless the person charged provides a reliable person at least 13 years old to remain with the child to protect the child.

If you need assistance with fire escape planning or obtaining smoke alarms, call 311 to schedule a free check-up by fire and rescue service representatives. To learn more about what you and your family can do to be safe year-round, visit the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service website at www.mcfrs.org/mcsafe.