Last modified Wed., August 02, 2006 - 04:40 PM
Originally created Thursday, August 3, 2006

Back-to-school safety begins at home

Buses, backpacks and bikes pose potential risks

By Clark Pierce, Staff writer

Be on the lookout. School buses are getting ready to start running again.
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As you cut the tags off school clothes and break out the new backpacks, it's a good time to talk with your family about putting "safety" on the school calendar.

School Bus Safety

"Although all drivers are required to stop for a school bus when it is loading or unloading passengers, children should be taught to take caution until approaching vehicles come to a complete stop," said NAS Deputy Occupational Health Manager Dave Colburn.

He recommended the following guidelines for kids and parents:

Have a safe place to wait for the busæ and be aware of the street traffic around you.

Avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to accidental injury.

As the school bus approaches, form a single line away from the curb.

Wait until the bus stops and the door opens before stepping onto the roadway.

Use the handrail when stepping onto the bus.

Find a seat and sit down. Loud talking or other noise can distract the bus driver.

If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead of the bus along the side of the road, until you can see the driver.

When the driver signals, walk across the road, keeping an eye out for sudden traffic changes.

Colburn urged drivers to review traffic regulations for approaching a school bus:

On a two-way street or highway, all drivers moving in either direction must stop for a stopped school bus that is picking up or dropping off children.

You must remain stopped until all children are clear of the roadway and the bus signal has been withdrawn.

If a raised barrier or an unpaved median divides the highway, you do not have to stop when traveling in the opposite direction of the bus. Painted lines or pavement markings are not considered to be barriers.

If you are traveling in the same direction as the bus, you must always stop-and not go forward until the bus stop signal has been withdrawn.

Colburn also issued a warning to drivers of all ages, "Take school zone speed limits seriously because law enforcement officers do not issue warnings. If you're pulled over, you'll get a ticket."

Backpack Safety

"The ubiquitous back pack is today's preferred method of carrying school suppliesæbut when not properly fittedæ it can result in neck, back, head, arm and shoulder discomfort or injury," cautioned Colburn.

According to the National Safety Council, the weight of a backpack should not exceed 15 percent of the user's body weight. However, as some schools eliminate lockers, and heavier textbooks and portable computers become more prevalent, the weight of backpacks can easily exceed the 15 percent limit. Recent studies of school children show that most carry backpacks that exceed the 15 percent body weight rule, and one third of the students suffer from back pain. When purchasing a backpack, consider the following:

Light weight (the back pack itself should not add much to the load);

Wide, padded shoulder straps (narrow straps can dig into shoulders);

A padded back increases comfort and protects against sharp edges;

A waist strap helps distributes the weight more evenly;

Always use both shoulder straps (slinging the pack over one shoulder can strain muscles);

Tighten the straps so the pack is close to the body, about two inches above the waist;

Bend at both knees, rather than the waist.

Bicycle Safety

With America's obesity rates skyrocketing, cycling to and from school is an ideal way to get the U.S. Surgeon General's recommended daily dose of exercise (just 30 minutes).

"Not only is wearing a bicycle helmet a smart safety decision, it's the law in Florida. Riders under 16 years of age must wear a properly fitted, securely fastened bicycle helmet that meets ANSI or Snell Foundation standards. The key here is 'securely fastened.' When kids wear their bike helmets unfastened like a capæit provides zero protection in the event of a mishap," advised Colburn.

He added that bright clothing is always a good idea when cycling. "There are lots of things competing for drivers' attention on roadways, so make they see. A bicycle jersey with reflective features is the best apparel for assuring you stand out to drivers. And a helmet with day-glow colors is helpful, too.