With summer winding down and the new school year gearing up, it's important to remember key safety tips to ensure our kids get to and from school each day safely.  Nationwide Children's Hospital has posted the following key safety tips for students, parents, and community members in general to keep in mind. 

School Bus Safety Tips

• Children riding the bus to school should learn and practice a few safety rules for getting on and off the bus.
• Get to the bus stop early. Do not run to the bus.
• Wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before walking toward it.
• If crossing the street, wait for a signal from the bus driver.  Look both ways to make sure there is no moving traffic from either direction.
• Always cross in front of the bus so the driver can see you.
• If the bus has lap and shoulder belts, use them.
• Once the bus is in motion, remain in your seat.
• If the window is open, keep your arms and head inside the bus at all times.
• Do not stand up to get off the bus until it has completely stopped.
• Only get off the bus at your assigned spot.

Walking Safety Tips

• Children should only walk to school alone if they are old enough and ready to make the walk safely.
• Children are not ready to walk to school without an adult until they are at least 10 years old.
• Younger kids cannot be trusted to make smart traffic choices on their own.
• Plan and practice a safe walking route with your child until she knows it well.
• Use streets with sidewalks, crosswalks and crossing guards. Avoid as many intersections as possible.
• Have children walk with a friend or in a group.
• Talk to your child about what to do if they are approached by a stranger.

Safety Tips for Drivers

• Drivers should be aware of children walking to school or to the bus stop. Everyone can follow a few safety tips to help kids get to school safely.
• When backing out of the driveway, watch for children walking to school or to a bus stop.
• On streets without crossing guards, watch out for children trying to cross the street.
• Be careful on streets without sidewalks or streets with on-street parking. It might be hard to notice a child behind a car.
• Be alert. Children may dart into the street without looking.
• Slow down.

Obey school bus laws. In Ohio, all drivers must stop at least 10 feet from a bus that is picking up or dropping off kids.