During the school year, streets become busier with both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, so it is essential for drivers to be aware of student walkers and to be vigilant when traveling the roadways. It is equally important that student walkers and cyclists use safe practices when commuting to and from school. The Center for Safe Schools has offered tips to promote the safety of pedestrians, drivers and cyclists.

Parents should walk their child's route each year to become familiar with it and identify any changes or hazards that may be present. Walkers should use crosswalks, stand at the corner of the intersection, and look both ways before crossing. If no crosswalks are provided, pedestrians should walk facing traffic, watch for turning vehicles, and wait to cross until vehicles come to a complete stop.

Walkers should never enter a street between parked cars due to limited visibility to drivers, and they should walk far enough in front of stopped vehicles so they are clearly seen. Students should walk, not run, while crossing streets. As an extra precaution, parents are encouraged to add bright or reflective items to a child's backpack to help increase visibility.

Drivers should take extra time and precautions to ensure the safety of student walkers. Drivers should slow down and be alert and patient in school zones and at intersections, medians, and curbs where students may travel to or from school. They should also be prepared for children to enter the roadways, and they should leave plenty of space when stopped near crosswalks so other drivers can see any approaching pedestrians. Drivers are encouraged to be patient when other vehicles are stopped for pedestrians and not pass those vehicles.

In accordance with state laws, drivers should not talk on cell phones or text while driving. Likewise, students should refrain from using electronic devices while walking or cycling to or from school. If someone must talk or text, he or she should stop and move to the side of the walkway. Also, pedestrians should never cross the street while using an electronic device, and they should avoid wearing earphones.

Drivers should be alert for an increase in the number of cyclists on roadways. To prevent collisions, drivers should anticipate bicyclists who may not follow the rules of the road.

For more information, visit http://www.centerforsafeschools.org.