School is now in session. Kids are walking, cycling, and riding to school in privately owned vehicles and school buses. All drivers need to refresh back-to-school vehicle safety tips. I wrote nine tips in this Everyday EMS Tips column at EMS1.com. Use the comments area to submit a 10th tip for me to add to the list.
Summary of the Everyday EMS Tips column:
1. When responding emergently, avoid routes that pass directly by a school.
2. Avoid any situation that requires backing up.
3. Stop far enough away from a school bus loading or unloading kids.
4. Wait with younger children at the school bus stop.
5. Turn on hazard flashers while waiting for a school bus to load or unload.
6. Remind children about the importance of seatbelt use and wearing a properly fitting helmet for biking and skating.
7. Make sure your children understand basic traffic safety laws.
8. Don’t talk or text on your phone while driving.
9. Be a role model and demonstrate important traffic safety behaviors.