The school year is officially in full swing. After the excitement of the first day, new schedules, and getting everyone back into a routine, families across our community have now settled into the rhythm of school. Students are heading to class, teachers are busy teaching, and school buses are making their morning and afternoon routes. At the Accident Recovery Team, we know that this time of year is about more than getting back into a routine. It’s also an important reminder to stay alert and make safety a priority, especially when sharing the road with school buses, students, and families. And don’t forget, there’s only a little time left to enter our Teacher Appreciation Giveaway!
Don’t Miss Your Last Chance to Celebrate a Teacher
For the past several weeks, we’ve been celebrating teachers in our community through our Teacher Appreciation Giveaway. Every day, educators show up for their students, putting in the time, energy, patience, and care it takes to make a difference. Teaching doesn’t stop when the bell rings, either. Teachers spend hours preparing lessons, grading assignments, communicating with families, supporting students, and finding creative ways to help their classrooms succeed. That’s why the Accident Recovery Team wanted to give back to the educators who give so much to their students and our community.
Throughout the giveaway, deserving teachers have had the opportunity to win $500, and we’ve loved seeing educators recognized for the important work they do. If you’ve been thinking about nominating a teacher but haven’t entered yet, now is your last chance! Take a moment to nominate a teacher who deserves some extra appreciation. Whether they’re your child’s favorite teacher, a longtime educator, a new teacher finding their footing, or someone who has made a lasting impact on their students, this is a great opportunity to let them know their hard work is noticed.
School Bus Safety Still Matters
While the first-day excitement may have faded, school bus traffic is still very much a part of the daily commute. With students and buses traveling to and from school every weekday, drivers need to remain aware of their surroundings and prepared to encounter children near roadways. One of the most important rules to remember is simple: When a school bus stops and its stop arm is extended with flashing lights, drivers need to stop. Never attempt to speed around a stopped school bus. Children may be getting off the bus, crossing the street, or walking toward their homes, and they may not always behave predictably. A few extra seconds of patience can make a tremendous difference.
Slow Down Near Schools and Bus Stops
School bus safety doesn’t only apply when you’re directly behind a bus. Drivers should also be particularly cautious around schools, neighborhoods, and known bus stops. Children may be walking, biking, or waiting for their bus along the roadway. They may also be distracted while talking with friends or looking at their phones. As you drive through these areas:
- Slow down and follow posted speed limits.
- Keep an eye out for children near the road.
- Avoid distractions, including texting or using your phone.
- Be prepared for children to cross the street unexpectedly.
- Watch carefully when approaching or passing school buses.
- Give buses plenty of room to stop and pull away.
- Pay attention to crossing guards and school-zone signage.
Remember that a child’s route to school doesn’t always look the same every day. A child who typically waits on one side of the road could cross unexpectedly, or a student could run after a ball or another dropped item. Staying alert gives you more time to react.
Kids Have a Role in Bus Safety, Too
Drivers aren’t the only ones who can help make school transportation safer. Parents and caregivers can reinforce good habits with children throughout the school year. Remind kids to wait for the bus in a safe location away from traffic and to avoid running or playing near the roadway. When boarding or exiting the bus, they should pay attention to their surroundings and follow the driver’s instructions. Once on the bus, children should remain seated, keep the aisles clear, and listen to the bus driver.
It’s also important for kids to understand that buses have blind spots. They should never walk behind a bus or attempt to retrieve something that has fallen near a bus without first making sure it is safe to do so. These may seem like small lessons, but building good habits can help children stay safer throughout the school year.
Keep the Safety Mindset Going
A month into the school year, it can be easy to become comfortable with the daily routine. You know when the buses typically come through your neighborhood. You know when school zones are busiest. You may even have your morning commute down to the minute. But familiarity shouldn’t lead to complacency. Continue watching for school buses and students as you drive, especially during the morning and afternoon rush. Put down your phone, slow down when appropriate, and give yourself enough time to react to unexpected situations.
At the Accident Recovery Team, we believe safety is something our entire community can contribute to. And while we’re proud to celebrate the teachers who make a difference for local students, we also want to help make sure those students can get to and from school safely. If you haven’t entered our Teacher Appreciation Giveaway yet, take a moment to nominate a deserving teacher and help us recognize someone who works hard for our community every day. Then, as you continue your daily commute this school year, keep school bus safety top of mind. Slow down, stay alert, and remember that getting where you’re going safely is always worth a few extra seconds. Here’s to our teachers, our students, and a safe school year for everyone!