News Release from: Clackamas Co. Sheriff's Office

Back-to-school safety tips

Posted: Aug. 25, 2009 6:19 p.m.

Soon the streets will be empty and the schools will be full. The time for kids to return to school is close at hand. Most schools in Clackamas County and the surrounding area will be back in session on Sept. 8, 2009 or earlier.

The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office wants to remind citizens of some safety rules to help both drivers and children stay safe as the school year begins:

Drivers:

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch out for children walking or bicycling to school.
• When driving in neighborhoods with school zones, watch out for young people who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking of getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in your neighborhood.
• Slow down. Watch for children playing and congregating near bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking at the surrounding traffic.
• Learn and obey the school bus laws in Oregon. Learn the "flashing signal light system" that school bus drivers use to alert motorists of pending actions:

• Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and prepare to stop their vehicles.
• Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and that children are getting on or off. Motorists must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before they can start driving again. DO NOT MAKE ANY ATTEMPT TO PASS THE BUS WITH RED FLASHING LIGHTS!!!

Children:

• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• When the bus approaches, stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
• Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least five giant steps (10 feet) ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure that the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
• Use the handrails to avoid falls. When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
• Never walk behind the bus.
• Walk at least three giant steps away from the side of the bus.
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.

Parents:

• Teach children to follow these common sense practices to make school-bus transportation safer.

Remember: SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT.

The United States Department of Transportation and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provided some of the above information.

[END]

Chuck Slaney, Lieutenant
Acting Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office