Getting To and From School Safely

To ensure maximum safety for all students, the San Diego Unified School District suggests students and parents abide by the following guidelines set by the National Safe Kids Campaign.

Walking to School

Pedestrian injuries are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages 5-14.

To avoid injury:

Never let children under age 10 cross the street alone.
Teach children to recognize and obey traffic signals and pavement markings.
Choose the safest route between home and school and practice walking it with children until they can demonstrate traffic safety awareness.

Remind kids to:

Cross streets only in crosswalks; never enter streets from between parked cars or from behind shrubbery.
Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Walk—don't run—across intersections.
A flashing "walk" signal does not mean it's safe to cross.
Use the same route every day and avoid shortcuts.
Don't speak to strangers; if a stranger approaches, tell a trusted adult such as a parent or teacher.

Riding Bicycles

Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the car.

To make sure children are safe when riding bicycles to school:

Check with your school principal to make sure bicycles are allowed. Some schools do not allow them.
Wear a helmet! State law requires it, and failure to wear one could result in a traffic citation. More importantly, helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.
Obey rules of the road; the rules are the same for all vehicles, including bicycles.
Stay on the right-hand side of the road and ride in the same direction as traffic.
Know and use appropriate hand signals.
Choose the safest route between home and school and practice it with children until they can demonstrate traffic safety awareness.

Driving

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children age 14 and under.

To reduce the risk of injury:

Always use child safety seats and safety belts correctly when driving or riding in a car.
Arrive early—especially the first few weeks of school—and use the school's designated student drop-off and pick-up zone.
Do not double park or make u-turns in front of the school. Police officers are issuing citations for traffic violations and there is no warning or grace period.
Children should enter and leave the car on its curb side.