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September 3rd marked the day that many of the Beaverton School District’s 39,000 students began the 2013-14 school year. There’s always a certain level of excitement on the first day of school for parents and students. And it’s particularly important for community members—with and without school-age children—to help kids start the school year off safely.
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is asking citizens to be vigilant as school gets back in session, and pay extra attention to posted speed limits in school zones, stopping when school buses’ red lights are flashing, and yielding to students in crosswalks.
Our roads will soon become even busier as school buses roll out to 51 schools in the district daily, parents opt to drive their children to and from school, and students walk or bike to school. Here are some additional safety tips to start the school year right:
Motorists:
- Allow extra time to reach your destination and watch for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, crossing guards, and school buses.
- Put the brakes on distracted driving—Oregon law bans drivers’ use of handheld cell phones, which includes text messaging.
Bus Riders:
- Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and off the street.
- Stay away from the bus until the driver gives a signal that it’s okay to approach.
- While riding the bus, remain seated and conduct yourself in an orderly fashion. Aisles in the bus should remain clear.
Students on bikes:
- Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride. Oregon law requires that a helmet be worn by anyone 16 years of age or younger.
- Ride on the right (or on a sidewalk), in the same direction as traffic.
- Wear bright colored clothing to increase your visibility as days get shorter.
- Always walk your bike through intersections.
Students walking:
- Never cross the street against a light, even if you don’t see any traffic coming. Learn what traffic signals and signs mean.
- Walk with a parent or buddy whenever possible.
- Wear reflective material—it makes you more visible to street traffic.
- Stay off the road and on the sidewalk whenever possible.
Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is committed to helping all of our kids get to and from school safely. We encourage everyone to have a conversation with family and friends about back-to-school safety today. For additional information and safety tips visit www.tvfr.com.
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