The time is quickly approaching for our clocks to “spring forward” an hour on Sunday, March 10th. This change always comes with the obvious adjustment period, but many may not consider the additional risks for school children during the morning commutes. Depending on their schedule, students may be walking in the darker hours, or during dangerous sun glare.
Sun glare is a leading factor for auto accidents, and the hazards of sun glare are most often seen during sunrise and sunset. This is because the sun is directly in the line of sight of drivers when it is low on the horizon. Drivers need to pay extra attention to their surroundings, and students should assume that they cannot be seen and use extra caution.
Below are a few safety reminders worth reviewing:
When Walking or Biking to School:
- Wear bright colors. Daylight Savings means longer days but results in darker mornings on the way to school. Students should wear bright colors to be spotted easily by drivers or wear an item with reflective fabric.
- Use extra caution. During sunrise and sunset when sun glare is the worst, drivers may not be able to see you.
- Don’t go alone. For students old enough to walk or bike without an adult, arrange travel to school with a friend or group. Parents with younger children may want to walk with their children in the morning.
- Stay alert. Students can be easily distracted by their phone, cars, and other pedestrians when walking to school. Remind them to keep alert and aware of their surroundings and remain on the sidewalks.
- Cross the street safely. Students should be focused and look for oncoming traffic in both directions before crossing the street.
When Riding the Bus:
- Arrive at the bus stop early. Arrive at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Ensure that your child is a safe distance away from the street curb. Six feet or three giant steps is the preferred distance.
- Get on, off, and ride the bus safely. Remind students to wait until the bus is completely stopped and the door is open before attempting to enter or exit. When the bus is in motion, everyone should stay seated keeping all body parts and school materials inside the bus and should keep all aisles clear.
- Always use caution around the bus. Students should never walk behind a school bus and always make eye contact with the bus driver before crossing (at least 10 feet) in front of the bus to ensure that you are seen. If your child drops something near the school bus like a phone or a book, the safest thing for them to do is to tell the bus driver right away before attempting to retrieve the item.
Driver Safety Tips:
Drivers should consider adjusting eastbound travel plans to before sunrise or later in the morning if possible. If you can’t adjust your travel plans, here are some additional safety tips to help:
- Make sure your windshield is clean – inside and out.
- Ensure your vehicle has plenty of windshield wiper fluid.
- Wear a good pair of sunglasses to provide shading.
- Adjust your speed to avoid sudden reactions.
Colorado/West Equipment, Inc. and Nebraska/Central Equipment, Inc. consider student safety our number one priority, both on our Blue Bird school buses and off. We look forward to serving your passenger needs. Contact us today.