Back to School Safety for Students, Parents, and Drivers in Milwaukee

As the school season begins in Milwaukee, safety becomes a top priority. The streets around schools see a surge in both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, making it essential for everyone—students, parents, and drivers—to take extra precautions. Awareness of back-to-school safety measures can help reduce accidents and ensure a smooth start to the school year. Whether you're a student walking to school, a parent dropping off your child, or a driver commuting through school zones, knowing the right safety practices can make all the difference.

Safety Tips for Students

Pedestrian Safety

• Stay Focused on Your Surroundings
  Students should avoid distractions like headphones and mobile devices while walking to school. It’s important to remain alert and aware of what’s happening around them especially when crossing the roadway..
• Use Sidewalks and Crosswalks
  Whenever possible, students should use sidewalks and designated crosswalks to ensure they’re safely navigating traffic. Never cross in the middle of the street!
• Follow Traffic Signals
  Teach students to pay attention to traffic lights and signals, ensuring they cross only when it's safe. Looking both ways, even at a crosswalk, is essential. Use crossing guards when available.

Bike Safety

• Always Wear a Helmet
  Helmets are critical for student cyclists. Ensuring that your child wears a helmet can protect them in case of a fall or accident.
• Use Bike Lanes and Signal Turns
  Students should use bike lanes where available and always signal when turning, helping to communicate their intentions to drivers and pedestrians.
• Stay Alert for Cars and Pedestrians
  Biking students need to make eye contact with drivers at intersections and stay aware of other pedestrians to avoid collisions.

Bus Etiquette

• Arrive Early and Keep a Safe Distance
  Students should arrive at the bus stop early and wait at least six feet away from the curb. This reduces the risk of an accident.
• Boarding and Exiting Safely
  Students should wait for the bus to come to a full stop before boarding and cross in front of the bus when exiting, ensuring the driver can see them.
• Follow the Bus Driver’s Instructions
  Once on the bus, students should stay seated, avoid distractions, and follow the driver’s instructions for a safe ride.

Safety Tips for Parents

Teach Crossing Rules

• Use Designated Crosswalks
  Parents should teach children the importance of using crosswalks and waiting for the walk signal before crossing. Instilling this habit helps kids avoid dangerous shortcuts.
• Look Both Ways Before Crossing
  Even with traffic signals, children should be taught to always look both ways to make sure it’s safe to cross.
• Avoid Running Across Streets
  Remind children to never dart into the street, especially between parked cars, where visibility for drivers is reduced.

Bus Stop Safety

• Arrive Early and Stay Away from the Curb
  Ensure children get to the bus stop on time and remain at a safe distance from the street while waiting for the bus.
• Cross in Front of the Bus
  Children should cross in front of the bus where the driver can see them, never behind the bus, where visibility is limited.

Prepare for Safe Drop-offs

• Follow School Drop-Off Procedures
  Parents should be familiar with their school’s drop-off rules, ensuring they don’t cause traffic jams or unsafe situations.
• Avoid Double Parking
  Double parking can obstruct the view of other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. Always park in designated areas.
• Exit the Vehicle on the Curb Side
  For added safety, ensure that children exit the vehicle on the curb side, away from traffic.

Safety Tips for Drivers

Slow Down in School Zones

• Adhere to Reduced Speed Limits
  School zones often have reduced speed limits for a reason—children are walking or biking in these areas, and slower speeds prevent accidents.
• Be Extra Vigilant During Drop-Off and Pick-Up Times
  Peak times in the morning and afternoon demand increased attention. Be on the lookout for children crossing the road or walking between vehicles.

Avoid Distractions

• Stay Off Your Phone
  Cell phone use is one of the leading causes of distracted driving. Keep your attention on the road, especially around schools.
• Avoid Eating or Engaging in Other Activities
  Drivers should avoid eating, fiddling with the radio, or engaging in any activities that take their focus off the road.

Bus Stop Protocols

• Stop for School Buses
  When a school bus stops and flashes red lights, all vehicles must stop, no matter which direction they’re going. It’s illegal and dangerous to ignore this law.
• Follow Bus Light Signals
  Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Red lights and the extended stop sign mean students are getting on or off the bus, and traffic must come to a full stop.

Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists

• Check for Pedestrians at Crosswalks
  Drivers should always stop at crosswalks when children are present. Be prepared to stop even if they are not at a designated crossing.
• Give Cyclists Space
  When driving near students on bikes, maintain a safe distance and pass slowly, especially in residential areas or school zones.

School Zone Awareness for the Community

Safety during the school season is a community-wide responsibility. Even if you don’t have school-aged children, it's important to be aware of school zones and the increased foot traffic during the academic year. Drivers passing through these areas should slow down, obey crossing guards, and be mindful of children who may be walking or biking to school. Community members can contribute to safer environments by advocating for clear signage, safe crosswalks, and reduced speed limits where needed.

Safety Starts with You

Whether you're a student, parent, or driver, practicing these back-to-school safety tips ensures that everyone makes it to school and back home without harm. By consistently following these guidelines, you're not only keeping yourself safe but also contributing to a safer community overall.

If you've been involved in a school-related accident or are seeking legal advice on personal injury matters, Levine Law is here to help. As a legal firm experienced in personal injury , criminal , and civil cases across Wisconsin, our team understands the challenges faced during these situations. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in protecting your rights and ensuring justice.