Start the School Year Safely: Back-to-School Safety Reminders

As students head back to the classroom, the North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District (NLTFPD) is reminding everyone to use a little extra caution on our roads and around our schools.

The start of the school year means more students walking and biking, increased activity at bus stops and crosswalks, and more traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. With more students also using e-bikes to get to and from school, it is especially important for both drivers and riders to slow down, stay alert, and be aware of their surroundings.

A few extra seconds of patience and attention can make a big difference in keeping our students safe.

Important Safety Reminders

For Drivers:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods.
• Watch for students at crosswalks, intersections, and bus stops.
• Obey school bus signals and never pass a bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended.
• Give bicyclists and e-bike riders plenty of space.
• Put phones and other distractions away while driving.

For Students & Parents:

• Review and practice a safe route to and from school.
• Use sidewalks and designated crosswalks whenever possible.
• Stop, look both ways, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bicycle or e-bike.
• Stay visible, avoid distractions, and follow the rules of the road.
• E-bike riders should ride at a safe speed and stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Review the safest route to and from school before the first day.

Backpacks:

• Use both shoulder straps to distribute weight evenly.
• Keep backpacks light. The National Safety Council recommends backpacks weigh no more than 5% to 10% of a child’s body weight.

A Message from NLTFPD

Back-to-school safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you are behind the wheel, walking to class, riding a bike or e-bike, or dropping a student off at school, we all have a role in helping students get where they are going safely.

“A few extra seconds can make all the difference. Slow down, put the distractions away, and take the time to look for the student in the crosswalk, getting off the bus, or riding alongside you,” said Fire Chief Sommers. “Keeping our students safe is a shared responsibility, and we all have a role in making sure they get to and from school safely.”

On behalf of everyone at NLTFPD, we wish our students, families, teachers, and school staff a safe, healthy, and successful school year.

Slow down. Stay alert. Look out for each other.

Learn More & Stay Informed:

https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/school-safety/school-safety-home#