CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County students return to school on Monday, August 25, and the Natrona County School District has partnered with the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office and the Casper Police Department to provide a series of back-to-school safety reminders.
“As the summer draws to a close, students, staff, and school families across Natrona County are excitedly preparing for the start of a new school year,” the release reads. “As our community prepares to send its children back to school, we must prioritize their safety and well-being.” By following these back-to-school safety reminders, we can all work together to make the school year safe, successful, and exceptional for everyone.”
In order to accomplish this, these organizations have created a series of back-to-school safety reminders for both students and the public.
Know the Signs
Motorists should be aware of school zones and always obey all traffic laws.
Familiarize yourself with important traffic signs, crosswalks and school zones that you may come across not only in your daily commute but throughout your neighborhood and the entire county.
Pay careful attention to school zones, bus stops, stop signs and other important traffic elements in place to keep students safe while walking, riding, busing or biking to and from school.
School Bus Stop Sign Awareness: Red means stop, both flashing lights and/or the stop sign. “Drivers need to be aware and diligent at all times. It is imperative that as drivers, we pay attention to and are aware of school zones and bus stops,” shared NCSD Director of Public Relations Tanya Southerland. “You must stop for buses when the stop sign is out and/or the red lights are flashing. These laws are in place to protect our children. Let’s keep them safe together.”
Ready, Set, Go! Planning with Purpose
Now is an excellent time to have proactive conversations with your children about their daily walk or ride to and from school, as well as to discuss basic safety precautions.
Talk to your children about recognizing and obeying traffic signals, signs and pavement markings.
If your children are walking or biking to and from school, remind them to be aware of their surroundings and to put down distractions such as cellphones, headphones, etc.
Always look both ways before crossing the street, and only cross the street using a crosswalk.
Walk and never run across intersections.
Never enter streets from behind parked cars, shrubbery, signs, etc., that may block your view or the view motorists have of you.
Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear when biking/riding to and from school.
“With just a few days before the start of school, now is the perfect time for parents to have important safety conversations with their children,” said Casper Police Department Public Information Officer Rebekah Ladd. “Talking about safe routes, paying attention to surroundings, and practicing simple precautions helps ensure our kids are prepared and protected as they head back to school.”
Digital Safety Reminders
The beginning of the school year is an excellent time to start a conversation with your child about online safety.
The best way to keep your children safe online is to know who they’re communicating with.
Have an honest, age-appropriate conversation with your children about online expectations, and most importantly, encourage them to notify a parent or trusted adult if they encounter an uncomfortable situation while online.
“Say NO, GO and TELL” Safety Rule
Educate your student on the safety rule “Say NO, GO, and TELL.” If someone approaches your child, offers them a ride, asks for directions, or makes them feel uncomfortable, tell them to say “NO,” leave the situation (GO), and TELL a trusted adult. Be sure to talk to your child about who trusted adults are: parents, teachers, police officers, firefighters, relatives, etc.
Be Alert! Never Drive Distracted
Avoid distractions while driving. Never text while driving, and keep your eyes on the road. Talk to your teen drivers about the importance of avoiding distracted driving. “We urge drivers to be especially vigilant of students walking to and from school, pedestrians in crosswalks, and bicyclists on the roadway,” said Kiera Hett, Public Information Officer for the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office. “Avoid distractions, slow down, and give yourself extra time on your commute so everyone can arrive safely at their destinations.”
