Stay away from strangers’ cars. Let grown-ups and only grown-ups help strangers. Strangers should ask adults, not kids, for help. Stick with a friend or friends. It’s more fun and safer to be with friends.
Never walk while texting or talking on the phone. If texting, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk. Never cross the street while using an electronic device. Do not walk or ride your bike with headphones on.
Be aware of your surroundings. Always walk on the sidewalk if one is available; if you must walk on the street, you should face oncoming traffic. Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street. Cross only at crosswalks.
Let someone know where you are at all times and when you will be arriving home. Know your parent’s contact information so that you can get in touch with them if you need them.
Backpack safety:
- Stand up straight. If your backpack makes you hunch forward or lean
- to one side, you may be carrying too much weight or not using both straps.
- Use both shoulder straps so that the weight is distributed evenly.
- Limit the weight Place the heaviest items closest to your back. You should carry no more than 10-15% of your body weight.
- When putting on the backpack, bend at the knees and use your legs to lift the backpack. Place one shoulder strap at a time
- Choose a backpack with wide padded shoulder straps, a padded back, and a waistband. You should have reflective material on the backpack so you are easier to see.
Bus safety:
- While at your bus stop: do not run into traffic.
- Arrive at your bus stop early.
- Never walk behind the bus
- Make sure the bus comes to a complete stop before trying to enter or exit the bus.
- When crossing the street observe traffic, don’t rely solely on the bus lights, and watch for the signal from your bus driver to cross.
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