5 Back to School Safety Reminders

Ceasar Mitchell, the Atlanta City Council President, has listed roughly 5 safety tips for students and parents as school gets back in session this week.

"As the summer break comes to an end and Atlanta’s youth head back to school, I want to take this opportunity to encourage parents, caregivers, teachers and community leaders to share the importance of pedestrian, bicycle, school bus and driver safety with our kids," said Ceasar Mitchell.

In an effort to prevent incidents or fatalities on Atlanta roadways, Mitchell offers  the following safety tips and encourages you to share them with your children.

Sidewalk Safety

Many of our students will walk to neighborhood schools.  For tips on teaching pedestrian safety, please click here http://www.saferoutesinfo.org/sites/default/files/tips_for_parents.pdf

Bicycle Safety

Riding a bicycle, especially with friends, can be a fun way to get to school. Students should follow some simple rules to help keep them safe while in route. Visit the link for suggestions on how to keep your bicyclist safe, http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/sites/default/files/Parents_Bike_Safety_Tips.pdf

Driver Safety

Driving to school can be an exciting rite-of-passage!  Help your student remain safe by reviewing road safety rules with them. The Georgia Department of Transportation has some useful information to share before they get on the roads, http://www.dot.ga.gov/informationcenter/Documents/TeenDriving/index.htm

School Bus Safety

Students should also obey safety rules while riding a school bus. Atlanta Public Schools produced a wonderful video that I encourage you to watch with your child if they will ride a school bus to and from school, http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/Page/35286.

In addition to teaching our children to follow safety procedures, as drivers, we should  be aware that we share the roads with pedestrians, cyclists, student drivers and school buses. We must do our part in watching for children who walk, bike and drive to school.

Additionally, Georgia law requires us to stop when a school bus turns on its red flashing lights and activates its stop arm. For information on the law, please click here http://www.operationstoparm.info/Operation_Stop_Arm/Law.html/

Bonus Tip

Students should walk in groups when off school grounds,  Never talk to strangers, and never be scared to scream or ask for help if in danger.

"By working together, we can make the 2013-2014 school year the safest year ever." - Ceasar Mitchell