Student Safety Tips for Back-to-School Walks

Nationwide from 1998 to 2008, 149 pedestrians younger than 19 died in school transportation-related crashes. Over two-thirds (69 percent) were killed by school buses, 7 percent by vehicles functioning as school buses, and 24 percent by other vehicles involved in the crashes, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Nearly half (47 percent) of all school-age pedestrians killed in school transportation-related crashes were between the ages of 5 and 7 years old.

As thousands of Newport-Mesa Unified School District students get ready to head back to school, it's important to remember normal commuter traffic will not necessarily adapt to large numbers of children returning to streets and sidewalks.

Here are some tips offered by law enforcement agencies:

By Walking — Crossing the Street

1. Walk to school with a group of kids and always have a responsible adult walk with you.

2. Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available. 

3. If no sidewalk is available, walk facing the traffic.

4.The safest place to cross is at a street corner or intersection.

5. If you are 10 years old or younger, you need to cross the street with an adult. You should not cross by yourself. Ask an adult to explain to you who can help you cross the street.

6.Before you step off the curb to cross the street, stop and look left, look right, and look left again to see if cars are coming.

7. When no cars are coming, it is safe for you and an adult to cross. But look left-right-left as you do it, and hold the adult’s hand.

8. Always walk when crossing the street. Never run across the street to catch a ball or chase a toy, a friend, or a pet. Darting out in front of a parked car is dangerous. The driver of the car coming down the street can’t see you

9. Cross at corners and use crosswalks whenever possible; always stay within the lines of the crosswalk.

10. Never go for a walk with a stranger. Only walk with someone who your parents say is okay.