Ashley Moran, with the Acadiana Planning Commission, stopped by News15 at Noon, to share the details on Louisiana School Safety Week.
Ashley Moran, with the Acadiana Planning Commission, stopped by News15 at Noon, to share the details on Louisiana School Safety Week.
2024 is upon us, and the holiday season is now behind us. That means
schools will be back in session. It also means drivers can expect to see school buses, children on bicycles, and children walking as they make their way to and from school.
The week of January 8 – 12, 2024, has been designated LA School Zone Safety Week. Destination Zero Deaths (DZD), the Acadiana Transportation Safety Coalition (ATSC), and our state and local law enforcement agencies want to make sure every child makes it to school and back home safely. We’re here to help bring attention to this time of year as our kids say goodbye to summer. When it comes to getting to and from school, our children most commonly use school buses.
School buses will be out on their routes, and since it’s been a couple of weeks since theholiday break began, you can expect there may be minor issues. According to Ron Czajkowski, Safety Coordinator for ATSC, school buses are very safe, and provide the best way for your child to get to and from school.
“School buses are the most regulated vehicles on the road”, said Czajkowski. He recommends parents and caretakers talk to their children about school bus safety. Some school bus safety tips for children:
While waiting for the bus, stand at least 6 feet (about three giant steps) away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
After getting on the bus, go directly to your seat, and sit facing forward with your feet on the floor in front of you.
Remain in your seat the entire ride, and don’t get up from your seat until it’s time to get off.
Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before getting out of your seat.
Once stopped, exit the bus in an orderly manner, and step completely away from the bus upon exiting.
Some school bus safety tips for drivers:
Plan ahead for the increased amount of traffic for back-to-school. In addition to school buses, expect to see more vehicle traffic, along with bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Watch out for children entering and exiting school buses. This is when our children are most vulnerable.
Take a moment to review Louisiana Law regarding school buses (LA R. S. 32:80). Know and practice your responsibilities when navigating around school buses.
If you are dropping off and/or picking up children at school, know the school’s drop-off and pick-up route. Make sure you and your children are prepared for the drop-off and pick-up so it is done in the safest manner possible.
Abide by posted speed limits and no cell phone use signs in school zones. There is a reduced speed limit for vehicles in school zones, and use of a wireless telecommunications device (LAR.S. 32:300.5) in a school zone is strictly prohibited.
Drivers can expect to see some children riding their bicycle to and from school, too. Bicycles are a way to have fun and get some exercise but is also an alternative means of transportation. Every consideration should be made to ensure your child is safe on their bicycle, and it’s important for motorists to be mindful of bicyclists whether they are riding to school, exercise, or pleasure.
There is also a significant number of children who walk to and from school. Czajkowski recommends parents and caretakers talk with their children about pedestrian safety. It’s important to emphasize that children should use sidewalks when possible and use marked crosswalks when available.
You can find more information on NHTSA’s website Back to School: Keeping Children Safe | NHTSA, for more information on school bus safety, bicycle safety, and pedestrian safety.
Please feel free to contact me, Ron Czajkowski, Safety Coordinator with ARTSC at rczajkowski@planacadiana.org or (337) 806-9367 for any additional questions.
