School has started or is about to start in your area – be extra vigilant                         

• Increased traffic – Allow extra time to reach your destination and watch for cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders, and school buses
• Know and Obey the law with regard to stopping for school buses loading and unloading children
• Be aware of the speed limit and your speed, especially in school zones and around  schools
• Obey all crossing guard directions 

If you have children attending school:
Car

• All passengers must wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.  Florida’s safety belt law is now primary – you can and will be stopped and ticketed for not wearing your safety belt.  Adult drivers are responsible for their passengers under 18 years of age when it comes to proper safety belt and car seat use.
• Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. As a parent you should require seat belt use by the driver and all passengers, limit the number of teen passengers, do not allow eating, drinking, cell phone conversations or texting to prevent driver distraction; and limit nighttime driving and driving in inclement weather.

Bike

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.  The law requires a helmet be worn by persons under the age of 16. 
• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic (younger children should use sidewalks).
• Use appropriate hand signals.
• Obey traffic lights and stop signs.
• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.
• Know the "rules of the road."

Walking to School

• Make sure your child's walk to school is a safe route, hopefully with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.
• Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.
• If your child is young or is walking to new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it safely.
• Teach your child to be aware of his/her surroundings.
• Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

• School Bus and Bike Safety


• USA.gov Back to School Safety Tips


• National Center for Safet Routes to School