It’s that time of year again when parents get excited and students are looking forward to going back to school! The Putnamville State Police Post would like to pass along some safety tips to help make sure that this school year is safe for everyone!

Walking to School Safety Tips

Leave home early enough to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
Use the same route every day and never use shortcuts.
Go straight home after school. Do not go anywhere else without permission.
Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.
Try and walk to school with other students. There is strength in numbers.
Teach your children to recognize and obey traffic signals and signs.
Only cross streets at designated crosswalks.
Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Always walk and never run across intersections.
Don't talk to strangers. Teach your children to create distance between themselves and anyone who tries to approach or make contact with them.
If a stranger does approach your child, make sure they know to immediately report the incident to you or a teacher.
Teach your children to never get into a vehicle with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.

School Bus Safety Tips

Make it a habit of arriving at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
Make sure your child stays out of the street and avoids excessive horseplay while waiting for the school bus.
Be sure the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on or off.
When riding the bus, make sure your child understands they must remain seated and keep their head and arms inside the bus at all times.
Do not shout or distract the driver.
Always listen to the instructions of the bus driver.

These are just a few safety tips for this upcoming school year. The Indiana State Police will have extra patrols during the school hours and will have a ZERO TOLERANCE for those who disregard a bus stop arm or speeding in school zones.