Back to school kids safety tips & rules of the road for drivers - KMSP-TV

Back to school kids safety tips and rules of the road for drivers

¡ Kids should carry no more than 10 to 15 percent of their body weight in their backpacks

¡ The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends when looking for a backpack:

o Purchase a lightweight pack that doesn't add a lot of weight

o two wide, padded shoulder straps; straps that are too narrow can dig into shoulders

o a padded back, which not only provides increased comfort, but also protects kids from being poked by sharp edges on objects inside the pack

o a waist belt, which helps to distribute the weight more evenly across the body

o multiple compartments, which can help distribute the weight more evenly

¡ Wait for the bus away from the street.

¡ Wait for the OK from the bus driver to open the door and step on.

¡ Be careful getting on the bus when carrying bags and backpacks that can get caught in a door or around a seat.

¡ Wear seatbelts if possible.

¡ Remain in your seat while the bus is moving.

¡ Be careful getting off the bus, hold onto handrail and step down slowly.

¡ Upon exiting, walk in front of the bus and never behind it. And make sure the bus driver acknowledges them, and then cross the street.

¡ A child who drops something while crossing in front of a bus should never bend over to pick it up.

¡ Children should never walk between parked cars or in front of the school bus.

¡ If your child walks or bikes to school, map out a safe route.

¡ Make sure your child understands that it's never OK to accept rides, candy, or any other type of invitation from strangers.

¡ Set a time when kids are expected to arrive home from school.

¡ Have them check in with you or a neighbor as soon as they get home.

¡ Specify who, if anyone at all, is allowed in your home when you're not there.

¡ Make sure they know to never open the door for strangers.

¡ Make sure they know what to do in an emergency

After school Safety

Traffic safety:

Rules for the Bus:

Back to School Safety Tips

Backpack tips