By Doris Prado, Property Manager
Table of contents
In Miami-Dade County school begins on Thursday, August 15.
Back to school tips
On Thursday, August 15, Miami-Dade County students will head back to school. This means traffic will spike all over, with more than 2,000 yellow buses on the road in South Florida. School officials offer these tips for keeping the kids safe:
Kids waiting for buses
- Stand off the roadway while waiting.
- Never pick up an object that you drop under or near the bus. Ask the driver for help.
- Always be sure the driver can see you.
- Wait for the driver to signal that it is safe to cross the road. Always cross in front of the bus.
Children under age 10 are developmentally limited when it comes to judging speed and distance accurately. They should cross the street only with an adult.
Parents in the pick up line
- In the afternoon, don’t arrive too early and hinder neighborhood traffic.
- Don’t talk on a cell phone, text, or engage in other distractions while driving.
Kids on foot and bikes
- Children under age 10 are developmentally limited when it comes to judging speed and distance accurately. They should cross the street only with an adult.
- Walk on the sidewalk if there is one. Walk facing the traffic, as far from the street as possible, if there’s no sidewalk.
- Never go out into the street or cross between parked cars.
- Ride bikes in the same direction as other vehicles.
Drivers
- When approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arms extended, motorists are required to stop.
- Be alert and watch for children at all times, but especially near schools, bus stops and school buses.
- Pay attention to the lower speed limits in school zones.
- Do not pass other vehicles, change lanes or make U-turns in school zones or at crosswalks.
- Only drive or park in authorized areas to drop off or pick up children.
Conclusion
With the start of the back to school season, Miami-Dade County will experience increased traffic as more than 2,000 yellow buses hit the roads. As we embark on this busy time, it is crucial for everyone to prioritize the safety of our children. School officials have provided valuable tips to ensure the safety of kids waiting for buses, parents in the pick-up line, children on foot or bikes, and drivers.
By following these tips, such as standing off the roadway while waiting for the bus, avoiding distractions while driving, and being cautious near school zones, we can collectively create a safer environment for our students. As we welcome another academic year, let us all play our part in keeping the kids safe and fostering a positive learning experience for everyone involved.
Source: The Miami Herald
