Every day millions of children take to the streets and roadways to get to and from school. They walk, ride their bicycles, take buses, and arrive in automobiles with one purpose-getting to and from school safely. Every year approximately 440,000 public school buses travel more than 4 billion miles to transport 24 million children to and from school and school-related activities. For many children, this experience is a new one, and they may not understand the safety rules. Young children do not have the same frame of reference for safety as adults do. They may not “look before they leap,” which is why it is so important for families to supervise young children and practice safety skills with their older children.

Safety Tips:

1. Always TAKE A FRIEND with you when playing or going somewhere. It is safer and more fun.
   
   
2. Always CHECK FIRST with your parents, guardians or trusted adult in charge before you go anywhere or do anything.
   
   
3. Do not be tricked by people who offer you special treats or gifts. Never accept anything from anyone without your parents’ or guardians’ permission.
   
   
4. Never go into a public restroom by yourself.
   
   
5. Stay SAFER when you are home alone by keeping the door locked; not opening the door for or talking to anyone who stops by unless the person is a trusted family friend or relative, you feel comfortable being alone with that person, and the visit has been pre-approved by your parents or guardian; and never telling anyone who calls that you are home by yourself. Have a neighbor or trusted adult you can call if you feel scared, uncomfortable or confused or if there is an emergency.
   
   
6. Do not wear clothes or carry items with your name on the outside, and do not be confused just because a person you do not know calls out your name.
   
   
7. Be careful when you play. Stay away from pools, canals, and other bodies of water unless you are with a trusted adult. Do not play near busy streets, or deserted areas, and never take short cuts unless you have your parents’ or guardians’ permission.
   
   
8. Never go alone to malls, movies, video arcades, or parks. Take a friend with you, and always CHECK FIRST with your parents or guardians to make sure that it is okay.
   
   
9. Do not panic if you feel lost. Identify the safest place to go or person to ask for help in reuniting with your parents or guardians. A safe helper could be a uniformed law-enforcement or security officer, store salesperson with a nametag, person with a nametag who is working at the information booth, or a mother with children. Never search for your parents or guardians on your own, and never go with anyone who is trying to reunite you with them.
   
   
10. Do not get into a vehicle or go near a vehicle with anyone in it unless you are with your parents, guardians, or a trusted adult. Never take a ride from anyone without CHECKING FIRST with your parents or guardians.
    
    
11. Be careful playing or riding your bicycle as it gets dark. Sometimes it is difficult for people driving to see you. Wear reflectors and protective clothing if your parents or guardians say that you can play outside after dark.
    
    
12. Do not be afraid to SAY "NO" and GET AWAY from any situation that makes you feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused. TRUST YOUR FEELINGS and be sure to TELL a trusted adult if anything happens to make you feel this way.