With summer fizzling away, kids are headed back into the classroom — and into the streets. Budget cuts have dwindled school bus routes around the county, meaning more parents will be driving their children to school, and more kids than ever will be walking or biking.
Officials from the Edmonds School District, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Everett and Lynnwood offer the following advice for everyone who might be affected by back-to-school season.
Compared with years past, expect more congestion around schools, especially in poor weather, warned D.J. Jakala, spokeswoman for Edmonds School District.
“You just really have to be patient,” she said.
Visibility will only worsen after daylight saving time ends Nov. 7.
Tips for drivers
School zone speed limits are back. Enforcement times vary by school, so make sure to stay under 20 mph when lights are flashing or any children are present, even big kids.
Brush up on the laws regarding school buses. Failure to stop for a school bus carries a $394 fine that cannot be reduced, suspended or waived.
Stop at crosswalks.
Outside of school zones, watch out for kids in neighborhoods going to and from school.
Remember that fall sports, including practices, may affect traffic conditions.
Tips for parents
Parents and kids are required to wear seat belts for the duration of the drive.
At school, make sure kids get out on the sidewalk side of the car. Make them wait until you pull up to them during pick-up — don’t let them dash down the street to meet you sooner.
If grandparents, neighbors or family friends are picking up your kids for you, make sure they know the rules.
If your kids are walking or biking, walk the routes with them before school starts. Point out potential dangers and safe havens if they need help.
Teach your children to be wary of strangers and report suspicious activity. If they need help from a stranger, they should look for moms with kids or women who look like grandmothers, according to Shannon Sessions, Lynnwood police spokeswoman.
If your child or you have any concerns, report them to the school and local law enforcement.
Lastly, getting ready for school is a great time to do safety checks on your vehicles. Check the headlights, brakes and brake lights.
Tips for kids
Wear bright clothing so you can be seen. Walk in pairs or groups, never alone.
Stay on the sidewalk. Most kids who get hit by cars aren’t on the sidewalk.
Don’t wear headphones.
At a crosswalk, stop, look and listen. Don’t go into the crosswalk unless you’re sure all cars are stopped. Look around parked cars or other objects that might be blocking your view before crossing.
Tell your parents if there are obstacles on your walk. Overgrown bushes, cracked sidewalks and busted street lights need to be reported.
Watch out for people following you. Bullies can be younger, older or the same age as you.
If riding a bike, wear a helmet and obey all traffic signs. Get off the bike when crossing intersections – just like if you were walking. Lock up the bike with a good lock, even at school.
Have your parents do a safety check on your bike before the year starts. They should check the brakes, reflectors and chain guards.
As always, listen to your gut. If your mind or body feels that something is wrong, tell your parents or a trusted adult.
Tips for teens
Be extra careful driving around your school. There are lots of young, inexperienced drivers around, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists.
If you get into a fender bender, you must report it to police if the damage is more than $750. At minimum, exchange information with the other driver.
Using cell phones
Texting or talking on a cell phone while driving became a primary offense last June. A police officer can pull you over and give you a $124 ticket.
There are some exceptions for hands-free devices for adults, but not for new drivers with instruction permits or intermediate licenses.
Police say they see people using cell phones in school zones way too often. These are often the same people who blast through crosswalks or stop signs.
Speaking of cell phones, don’t bring valuables to school. Thefts of cell phones and iPods are among the most commonly reported crimes at schools. There is little to no chance of recovery for most of these items if they are stolen.
If you have to bring a cell phone, lock it up or keep it on you. Keep valuables in a bulky container such as a backpack or makeup bag, which will make a theft more difficult.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
First day of school by district
Wednesday: Lakewood, Mukilteo
Thursday: Stanwood-Camano
Sept. 7: Coupeville, Darrington, Edmonds, Index, Marysville, South Whidbey
Sept. 8: Arlington, Everett, Granite Falls (grades 1 through 9), Lake Stevens, Monroe, Oak Harbor, Snohomish, Sultan
Sept. 9: Granite Falls (high school)
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