It’s Back to School Time for Cincinnati Students

Cincinnati Police Encouraging Students to Be Safe, Be Seen, and Wait in a Safe Place!

CINCINNATI -- With summer coming to a close, it's back to school time for the many local youths who attend area schools. The City of Cincinnati wishes all students a safe, successful start to the 2019-20 school year.

Officials from the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Police Department and Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) are reminding drivers to stay vigilant and avoid distracted driving, especially in school zones. "As students head back to the classroom, I want to remind drivers to be extra vigilant in and around school zones and crosswalks and always avoid distracted driving,” added Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot K. Isaac. “Students can do their part too by only crossing at designated crosswalks, wearing reflective clothing, and being aware of their surroundings.”

Crosswalks near CPS elementary schools and some CPS high schools have crossing guards on site during arrival and dismissal times. It is state law to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. However, it is important that students and drivers know the general "rules of the road" to help ensure a safe commute for all. Below are some safety tips help students safetly get to and from school. We ask that parents help relay this important safety information to their children.

Students should remember three simple rules: Be Safe, Be Seen and Wait in a Safe Place.

Make sure children are safe during pick-ups and drop-offs by teaching them these simple tips:

1.    Arrive at the bus stop at least 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to be there. This will ensure that you will never miss the bus, or are late to school!

2.  Be aware of the school bus danger zone. This refers to the 10 feet around all sides of a school bus. This will prevent your child from being hit.

3.  When crossing the street in front of the bus, make sure you are at least 5 feet away from the front so that you will be seen if the driver is sitting in the drivers’ seat.

4.  Don’t go near the school bus until it has come to a complete stop.

5. Wait for the okay sign from the driver prior to boarding.

6. If you are crossing the street to either board, or exit a school bus, be sure to look both left and right. There should be no cars coming in either direction before you head into the road.

7. The bus driver is the authority figure. Students should listen to everything they say. If there is an emergency, pay very close attention to the instructions they give you.

8. When waiting at the bus stop, never talk to strangers.

9. If a stranger tries to lure a child away while they are waiting for the bus, instruct them beforehand to stand their ground and alert a different adult.

Additionally, the Cincinnati Police Department encourages all motorists to observe posted speed limit (20 mph) in all School Zones.

Motorist should also be aware of and obey crossing guards who are located at intersections near schools and some midblock crossings during school hours.

ADDITIONAL BUS SAFETY TIPS

Getting on the School Bus

• When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness. Do not stray onto streets, alleys or private property.
• Line up a safe distance away from the street or road as the school bus approaches.
• Wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.
• Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus.

Behavior on the School Bus

• When on the bus, find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver and is not allowed.
• Never put your head, arms or hands out of the window.
• Keep aisles clear – books or bags are tripping hazards and can block the way in an emergency.
• Before you reach your stop, get ready to leave by getting your books and belongings together.
• At your stop, wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat, then walk to the front door and exit, using the handrail.

Getting off the School Bus

• If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road until you can turn around and see the driver.
• Make sure that the driver can see you.
• Wait for a signal from the driver before beginning to cross.
• When the driver signals, walk across the road keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver has signaled that it is safe for you to begin walking.
• Stay away from the rear wheels of the bus at all times.

Correct Way to Cross the Street

• Always cross the street in a marked crosswalk if possible.

• Do not cross behind a bus or between parked cars where a driver cannot see you.

• Children should always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing. 
• They should continue looking in this manner until they are safely across.
• If a student’s vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, they should move out to where drivers can see them and they can see other vehicles — then stop, and look left-right-and left again.
• If crossing at a stop sign or traffic signal and there are cars present, a student should make eye contact with the motorist(s) to be sure they are seen – even if they have a red light or a stop sign.