Granville County Sheriff Brin Wilkins offers some safety tips for drivers and for students as the new school year approaches.
“We can all learn from the safety tips below and abide by them to make Granville County safer for everyone,” Sheriff Wilkins said.
Drivers should:
- Remember to not block crosswalks and to yield to pedestrians, taking extra care in school zones;
- Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians;
- Never pass a bus loading or unloading children;
- Stop far enough behind a stopped school bus to allow students to safely enter and exit the bus, remembering that the area ten feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children.
Students walking to school should:
- Always travel with a friend – two heads are better than one, especially if there’s an emergency;
- Remember that a stranger is anyone you or your parents don’t know well;
- Never get close to a car driven by a stranger. You could get pulled in. And never get in the car;
- Never tell anyone your name or address when you’re walking. Don’t think that because someone knows your name that they know you – they may just be looking at your name printed on your lunch box, school bag or tee-shirt;
- Always tell your parents or teacher if a stranger has approached you.
Those riding bikes should:
- Know the rules of the road. Ride single file on the right side of the road, come to a complete stop before crossing the street and walk the bike across;
- Watch for opening of car doors and other hazards;
- Use hand signals when turning;
- Wear bright-colored clothing;
- Always wear a helmet that is fitted and secured properly.
“By taking the time to carefully prepare for these situations, we can ensure student safety, whether on the way to school or home, playing on a playground or riding their bikes,” Sheriff Wilkins concludes. “Let’s have a safe start to the new school year.”