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by Kathleen Vaught

With summer near its end and school about to start, the Allen Fire Department Public and Education Outreach Division wants to remind you of some important safety tips for your journey to and from school. Whether you get to school on a bus, ride your bike or walk, there are many things for both students and parents to consider in order to get to school not only on time, but safely.

In addition to getting to the bus stop on time, if you are a school bus rider, you should wait for the bus in a safe place where you can watch for traffic and avoid strangers. Always remember to leave enough space between you and the school bus in order to board safely. The 10-foot area surrounding the school bus is considered a "danger zone" because the bus driver will not be able to see you. If the bus starts moving while you are in this danger zone, you could be injured or even dragged under the bus.

Most everyone knows that bike riders should always wear a helmet, but did you know that there are certain certification levels to ensure the helmet will provide the utmost protection? Check the underside of your helmet for a sticker indicating that it has been certified and labeled by an independent testing laboratory. Once you are sure you have a safety approved helmet, remember to ride on the sidewalks if possible, make a complete stop at driveways, alleys and crosswalks, walk your bicycle across the street once you have looked both left and right, then left again, to make sure there is no oncoming traffic.

One of the most important things that adults should remember is that they are role models for children as they learn safe pedestrian habits. Setting a positive example and obeying all street crossing rules will reinforce those habits for keeping our children safe. Key street crossing rules to practice include stopping at the curb or edge of the road, listen and look for traffic both left and right, then left again, waiting until the street is clear and to continue looking until you have safely crossed the street.

Many of these safety tips may appear to be simple common sense; however, it is always great to get reminders. For more information and helpful links on school bus, bike and pedestrian safety as well as general tips to keep us safe this summer, please visit www.allenfire.org or contact the Public Education and Outreach Division directly at 214.509.4413.

Kathleen Vaught is the marketing specialist for the City of Allen.