Back-To-School Safety Tips: 4 Tips To Protect Ohio's Kids

OHIO — Students are finally returning to classrooms across Ohio, increasing the need for drivers to be vigilant and cautious in residential school areas, in school zones and near school buses.

In 2020, 37,313 children, ages 5 to 15, were hurt in accidents that required EMS services. Of those, 255 required children be rushed to emergency facilities, according to the Ohio Division of EMS.

“Schools, families, and students are changing from summer to school-year routines,” said Ohio Division of EMS Executive Director Rob Wagoner. “This is a good time to remind motorists to be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to see children walking to school and bus stops not only in the early morning hours, but also in the afternoon as they return home from school.”

To keep Ohio's school children safe, the Ohio Division of EMS provided these tips for drivers:

• Pay attention to your surroundings — When you're leaving home for the day, backing out of a driveway or garage, keep your eyes peeled for children walking or biking to school. Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood's school zones and watch for kids who may not be watching for you.
• Slow down — Look for children walking in the street, particularly if your neighborhood lacks sidewalks. Know where the bus stops are and watch for children playing near them in the mornings or afternoon.
• Be alert — Children will often run into the street while waiting for or trying to make a bus. Drivers need to be vigilant when motoring through residential areas.
• Learn and obey school bus laws — Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean children are getting on or off the bus. Drivers must stop their cars and wait until the red lights stop and the stop arm is returned before moving again.