Gearing up for school often involves more than just prepping for the classroom and after-school routine. While the roads may seem a little less trafficked in the summer months with no more school drop off and carpooling schedules, as the new year starts it’s important to refresh our minds about street safety.

Jacque Quick, RN, gives some quick reminders for drivers for keeping you, your kids and others safe on the road:

• Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. 
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. 
• Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after-school hours. 
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving. 
• Use caution when you open a car door. Be alert for the bicyclist!

She also reminds kids to be safe by making sure to:

• Cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old.
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. 
• Never run out into the street or cross the street in between parked cars. 
• Walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them.

What safety tips do you remind your kids of before returning to school?