Now that school is back in session, it’s time to review those Rules of the Road that keep our kids safe. Here are some tips from the Arlington Heights Police Department to remind everyone to take extra care on the road, especially during school hours and around schools and parks.
WHAT PARENTS AND KIDS NEED TO KNOW
- Children and their parents need to review the rules of the road too.
- For travel by school bus: have a safe place to wait for the bus, AWAY from traffic and the street, stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
- When walking: only cross the street at a marked crosswalk, preferably one that has a crossing guard. Before crossing a street, look left, then right, then left again. Stay alert. Follow signals.
- When riding a bike, don’t ever ride your bike across an intersection. Get off and walk it across after looking both ways for oncoming traffic or waiting for a crossing signal. Children should always wear a helmet when cycling.
- Stay visible – wear light and/or reflective clothing, especially when walking in the dark.
DRIVERS NEED TO REMEMBER
- Realize that your commute takes longer when school is in session – allow more time.
- Stay alert. Avoid distractions – especially mobile devices.
- And remember, Illinois law requires motorists to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks.
WHAT TO DO WHEN APPROACHING A SCHOOL BUS
- When a school bus stops, the flashing red lights go on and the stop arm comes out, drivers in BOTH directions are required to stop. This is the most dangerous time with children getting on or off the bus.
- It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus with its flashing red lights activated and stop arm extended.
- Drivers must be patient. There is simply no room for aggressive driving around a school bus.