City police offer a few Back to School safety tips

North Bay Police Service
News Release

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Next Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013, thousands of children will once again be riding to school on buses Monday to Friday as the 2013/2014 school season begins.

The North Bay Police Service is encouraging parents to spend a few minutes with their children to provide them with the following suggestions.

Most incidents related to school bus injury happen outside the bus as students are boarding and leaving the bus or crossing the street.

Remember these tips:

• Be at the school bus stop on time.

• Wait in a safe place well back from the edge of the road.

• Do not play in ditches or on snow banks.

• Enter the bus in single file holding the hand rail.

• Find a seat right away and stay seated facing forward at all times.

• Do not place things in the aisle.

• Avoid rowdy behavior.

• Do not throw things or eat or drink.

• Keep your arms and head inside the bus.

• Never distract the bus driver. Always follow his/her instructions.

• When you leave the bus, move away from the side. If you can touch the bus, you are too close.

• If you drop something near the bus, never try to pick it up because it’s quite likely the bus driver can't see you. Ask an adult or the driver to help.

When crossing the street to get on or off the bus:

• Walk at least 10 big steps in front of the bus, along the side of the road and look at the driver for a signal before crossing.

• Look all ways before crossing the road.

• Walk, never run, to where your parent or caregiver is waiting for you on the side of the road where the bus stops

Thank you for taking the time to ensure your children are prepared for travel to and from school.

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