7 Essential Traffic Safety Tips for Back-to-School Season 2025
Updated as of August 30, 2025Introduction: Why Back-to-School Traffic Safety Matters
Every fall, millions of students head back to classrooms across the U.S., leading to a surge in traffic around schools and bus stops. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), school zones and bus stops remain high-risk areas for young pedestrians, with 209 school-age children dying in school-bus-related crashes from 2014 to 2023—88 of whom were pedestrians. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects 7,148 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance. Whether you’re a parent, driver, or community member, these tips can help prevent accidents and keep kids safe. At Traffic Safety Store, we provide essential products like school zone signs and traffic cones to support safer environments.1. Slow Down in School Zones
School zone speed limits often drop to 15–25 mph during peak hours to protect children. GHSA data shows that a pedestrian hit at 20 mph has a 90% survival rate, compared to just 20% at 40 mph. Always heed posted speed limit signs and flashing beacons. Consider installing speed bumps in high-traffic areas for added control.2. Watch for Crossing Guards and Crosswalks
Crossing guards are vital for guiding kids across busy roads. Always yield to them and stop at marked crosswalks, even if a child hasn’t started crossing yet. Equip guards with high-visibility safety vests from Traffic Safety Store to enhance their presence and safety.3. Never Pass a Stopped School Bus
It’s illegal nationwide to pass a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. NHTSA reports that most child fatalities in school transportation occur outside the bus during loading or unloading. Use bus stop signs or barricades to create safer zones around stops.4. Eliminate Driving Distractions
With kids darting unpredictably, distractions like phones or eating can be deadly. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety notes that a two-second glance away doubles crash risk. Stay focused—your attention saves lives.5. Be Extra Careful During Peak Hours
School zones see heavy congestion from 7:00–9:00 a.m. and 2:00–4:00 p.m. Plan for extra time, expect stops, and practice patience to avoid rushed decisions that lead to accidents.6. Encourage Safe Walking and Biking
Teach kids these habits to build lifelong safety skills:- Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible.
- Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
- Wear bright or reflective gear for better visibility, especially in low light.
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet when biking—check out our safety gear options.
7. Community Responsibility: Enhance Safety with Proper Equipment
Schools and communities can proactively improve safety by deploying traffic cones, speed bumps, and school-specific signage. Add water-filled barriers for temporary zones and reflective vests for volunteers to create secure paths for walking and biking students.Conclusion
Back-to-school traffic safety is everyone’s job. By slowing down, staying alert, and following these tips, we can reduce risks and protect our kids. At Traffic Safety Store, we’re here to help with top-quality products—browse our school safety essentials today and make your community safer.Learn more about Safety Vests, Speed Humps, and Traffic Cones at TrafficSafetyStore.com – for all your traffic safety needs.
Stay Safe. Stay Compliant. Choose Traffic Safety Store.