AMR Offers Safety, Back to School Tips to Yellowstone County Parents

Whether children walk, ride a bicycle, or take the bus to school, it is important to follow proper safety precautions. Statistically, school buses are the safest way for children to travel to and from school; however, nearly 12,000 children are injured, and 26 die each year in school bus accidents. Most children injured and killed in school bus accidents are harmed while getting on and off the bus, not while riding.

Brian Hansen, operations manager for American Medical Response (AMR) Billings recommends that Yellowstone County parents review these tips with their children before they return to school later this month:

Getting on the school bus

• Always stand at least three giant steps (6 feet) away from the curb
• Be sure the bus driver can see you and you can see the bus driver
• Never walk behind the bus
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver – never try to pick it up first because the driver may not be able to see you

Getting off the school bus

• If you have to cross the street, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus until you can turn around see the driver
• Make sure the bus driver can see you
• Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross
• When the driver signals for you to cross, walk across the road while also keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes
• Stay away from the wheels of the bus at all times

Walking to school

• Always walk on the sidewalk when one is available
• The safest place to cross is at a street corner or intersection
• Before you step off the curb to cross the street, stop and look all ways to see if cars are coming
• When no cars are coming, it is safe for you to cross the street. Once you are in the roadway, continue to look both directions as you cross.
• Do not dart into the street between park vehicles

Riding a bicycle to school

• Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle
• Make sure that your helmet fits correctly
• Ride on the right side of the road or trail in a single-file line in the same direction as other vehicles
• Come to a complete stop before crossing streets
• Make sure clothes, shoes and the bicycle have reflective materials for better visibility by drivers

AMR is committed to the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve. Our first responders promote safety and preparedness to save lives and prevent both injury and disability. For more information on back-to-school safety, visit nsc.org.