Safety Corner: Back-to-school safety tips

Courtesy of Team G.A.U.S. Planungsgesellschaft mbH Artist’s rendition of the new high school and elementary school under construction at the Panzer Local Training Area.
Courtesy of Team G.A.U.S. Planungsgesellschaft mbH
Artist’s rendition of the Stuttgart high school and elementary school.

USAG Stuttgart Safety Office

As students and teachers begin a new academic year Aug. 26, the U.S. Army Garrison Stuttgart Safety Office reminds motorists to drive with caution, particularly when traveling through school zones or near bus stops.

Basic back-to-school safety tips for motorists:

• Drivers should exercise extra caution during the period when school begins, especially during the morning commute from 7:15-8:30 a.m. and the afternoon dismissal period from 2:30-2:45 p.m.
• All drivers must obey the posted speed limits.
• Be aware that children, especially those 12 years old and younger, are not always aware of their surroundings and assume that drivers will stop for them.
• Youngsters may dart into the road without first looking for traffic.

Tips for traveling to and from school:

• Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop.
• Walk the route with your child beforehand.
• Teach your child never to talk to strangers.
• Be sure your child walks to and from school with a sibling, friend or neighbor.
• Teach your children — whether walking, biking or riding the bus to school — to obey all traffic signals

For more information, visit the National Safety Council.