Back to school safety

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Brian Jones
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Very soon, Incirlik's streets will be filled with children and buses heading off for the first day of school. Officials at the 39th Air Base Wing safety office want to ensure all students set off and return from class safe and sound. 

For many Incirlik students, the school day begins and ends on a bus. While students are safe in the bus on the way to and from school, it's walking to and from the bus stop where hazards may lie. 

"Everyone should remember that kids at bus stops aren't necessarily focused on the traffic around them, but are more concerned with the upcoming school day," said Master Sgt. Darnell Edmonds, 39th ABW safety office ground safety manager. "That's why drivers must always be aware of children near the street and always stop when buses have their red hazard lights on." 

Sergeant Edmonds also stresses that school buses on Incirlik aren't all the same.
"Drivers need to be aware that buses on Incirlik aren't all the same size or color," he said. "They shouldn't be looking for the standard school bus." 

According to the National Safety Council, riding a school bus is safer than riding in a car. However, students should follow the following safety tips: 

-- Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop.
-- When being dropped off, exit the bus and take ten giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance away from the bus and remember the driver can see you best when you are away from the bus. 
-- Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
-- Be aware of the street traffic around you.
-- Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it's okay to approach. 

"Students who ride the bus should always stop, look and listen before crossing the street," said Tech. Sgt. Xaviera McFadden, 39th ABW safety office ground safety manager. "They should always make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street, which is a good rule of thumb for all pedestrians." 

Riding the bus isn't the only method of transportation used by Incirlik students. Many will walk and ride bikes. Drivers should use caution in housing areas and around the school in the mornings and afternoons. 

"Drivers need to be especially cautious near the school," said Sergeant McFadden. "Be on the look out for crossing guards and school bus monitors." 

The NSC offers the following tips for students walking and biking to school:
-- Mind all traffic signals and the crossing guards.
-- Walk your bike through intersections.
-- Walk with a buddy.
-- Wear reflective material ... it makes you more visible to drivers. 

Wing safety officials urge parents to discuss good safety practices prior to the school year, no matter the student's age. 

"Go over safety with your kids. Don't assume your teens know this information," said Sergeant Edmonds. "They are probably more concerned with other things, but a good five-minute sit down will do them good." 

For additional back to school safety tips, parents and students can visit http://www.nsc.org/mem/youth/8_school.htm.