Back to School...Back to School-- School Safety Reminders

It is hard to believe, but backpacks are packed, alarm clocks are being set and school buses are getting ready to roll again across Northwest Kansas.

As students head back to class, NWKS Radio visited with Colby Assistant Police Chief Jared Lange about a few simple reminders that can help make the start of the school year safer for everyone.

And perhaps the biggest reminder is also the easiest: slow down and pay attention.

The 20 is the 20!

School zone lights are coming back on, and that means drivers need to get back into the habit of slowing down.

“20 is 20,” Lange reminded listeners.

Children are excited to see friends, thinking about their first day and probably not paying nearly as much attention to traffic as adults would like. That makes it even more important for drivers to watch closely around schools, crosswalks and buses.

Lange said drivers who speed through an active school zone could also get an expensive reminder to slow down. Fines are doubled in school zones.

So save the money and, much more importantly, help keep kids safe. When those school zone lights are flashing, slow it down.

Red Lights on a School Bus Mean STOP

This one is pretty simple.

When a school bus has its flashing red lights activated, drivers need to stop. Don't try to sneak around the bus or hurry past.

Students may be crossing the roadway, and they can be difficult to see.

Put the Phone Down

Back-to-school traffic is not the time to be looking at a phone.

Lange reminded drivers that Kansas law now prohibits drivers from holding or using a phone while driving, with limited exceptions. Drivers can be stopped and ticketed.

Between buses, students walking or biking, parents dropping off children and extra vehicles around schools, there is already plenty happening. Keep your eyes on the road.

Have a Plan With Your Kids

One safety tip doesn't involve driving at all: make sure everyone knows where they are supposed to be after school.

Lange said law enforcement occasionally receives calls from worried parents who believe a child is missing, only to discover the child went to a friend's house or another location because plans became mixed up.

Before school starts, talk with your children about where they should go after school, who is picking them up and what they should do if plans change.

A little communication can prevent a lot of panic.

Check Those Car Seats

Parents with younger children should also take a few minutes to make sure car seats are the correct size and installed properly.

Lange said a large number of child safety seats are either installed incorrectly or aren't being used properly for the child's size. That can include incorrect harness placement, using the wrong seat or having a seat facing the wrong direction.

The Colby Police Department is a car seat inspection station, and Lange is a certified car seat technician. Families who can't attend an upcoming car seat safety event during the Sunflower Festival can contact or stop by the department to have a seat checked. The Thomas County Health Department is also a car seat inspection location, although families may want to check ahead about appointment requirements.

Pick-Up Time Isn't Parking Time

Parents picking up students in Colby should also expect extra attention around the schools this year.

Lange said one of the biggest problems is drivers stopping in the street in front of a school and waiting 15, 20 or even 30 minutes for students to come out.

That can back traffic up for several blocks and create an unsafe situation.

If your child is ready and can get into the vehicle, that's one thing. But drivers shouldn't park in the roadway waiting for school to let out. Find a legal parking spot or continue around the block until your child is ready.

And no, despite the joking during the interview, “tuck and roll” is definitely not an approved student pick-up method!

For many Northwest Kansas families, the first day is here this week:

• Tuesday, August 18: Hoxie, Oakley and St. Francis

• Wednesday, August 19: Colby, Atwood and Oberlin

• Thursday, August 20: Goodland

That means school zones, buses, students walking and biking, and busy drop-off and pick-up areas will all be returning throughout the week.

After a summer of getting used to quieter streets around schools, everyone may need a little reminder to switch back into school mode.

Slow down. Put the phone away. Watch for buses. Have a plan with your kids. Buckle up. And remember: the 20 is the 20!

NWKS Radio wishes students, teachers, staff, parents and everyone heading back to class across Northwest Kansas a safe, fun and successful school year.

Welcome back to school, Northwest Kansas!

BACK TO SCHOOL WITH LANGE

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