How to keep students safe on the road as school year begins

MATTAPOISETT — As the new school year begins, the Old Rochester Regional School District shared safety guidelines for students, their families, and drivers. 

The district asks parents and students to review safety recommendations, and for everyone on the road to practice heightened caution during student drop-off and pickup.

Students who ride the bus should arrive at the stop at least five minutes early and wait at least 10 feet from the curb. Parents should also wait with their child. If students need to cross the street, they should always cross at least 10 feet ahead of the bus and notify the driver if they drop any items. 

Students who walk to school should always use the sidewalk and walk facing traffic if there is no sidewalk. 

When crossing the street, students must check for other cars and attempt to make eye contact with a driver when crossing the street in front of a stopped vehicle. When walking, students should also cross only at crosswalks or intersections and avoid wearing earbuds or using electronic devices. 

Students biking to school should travel on the right side of the road, avoid distractions and wear a helmet and reflective clothing. They should also walk their bike across the street and use hand signals when turning. 

Students riding e-bikes should follow these same guidelines, and use front and rear lights at all times. 

Parents and other drivers should reduce speed when in school zones, never pass a stopped bus, avoid blocking crosswalks and yield to pedestrians.