Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall. It’s school time again! Just like teachers, books, and homework go hand in hand with the school year,so should safety.

Sparky’s Back-to-School Safety Tips

• While waiting for the bus, take five giant steps back from the curb until the bus has stopped completely.
  
• Inside the bus, stay seated at all times.
  
• Keep head, arms and hands inside the bus. Never throw anything out of the bus window.
  
• Always hold on to the bus handrails when you are getting on or off the bus so you don’t fall.
  
• Be careful that clothing, book bags, and key rings don't get caught in the handrails or doors
  
• When getting off the bus, go to the closest sidewalk or side of the road and take five giant steps away from the bus.
  
• If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. If you bend over to pick it up, the bus driver may not be able to see you.

• Children under age 10 should never cross a street without a grown-up.
• Choose a safe route to school. Look for the most direct route with the fewest street crossings.
• When crossing the street, stop at the curb or edge of the road.
  
• Look left, then right, then left again for moving cars before crossing.
  
• Keep looking left and right until you are safely across the street – and remember to walk, not run.
• Follow all traffic signals and markings.
  
• Don’t enter the street from between parked cars or from behind bushes or shrubs. Drivers might not be able to see you.

• If you are old enough to ride alone, plan a safe route to school and have a grown-up ride with you the first few times.
  
• Children under 10 shouldn’t ride on the road without a grown-up.
  
• Be sure that your helmet fits. It should sit even on top of the head –not rocking in any direction–and always fasten the safety strap.
  
• Learn the proper hand signals and use them when you turn or stop.
• Walk, do not ride your bike accross the street.
  
• Come to a complete stop before entering driveways, paths or sidewalks, then look left, right and left again for bikes, cars or pedestrians heading your way.
  
• Do not ride at night.

And last, but not least, if you are riding in a car to school the safest place to be if you are 12 years old or younger is in the back seat buckled up safely. Remember, you should be in a booster seat until you are eight years old and 80 pounds. Click here for more info on the right safety seat for you.