Aug. 20, 2003

For more information contact:
Scott Falb
515-237-3154
scott.falb@dot.state.ia.us

As school opens, DOT cautions Iowans to watch
for school buses, kids on bikes or in pedestrian crossings

AMES, Iowa –  As school opens in Iowa, children by the thousands are flocking back to class. The Iowa Department of Transportation reminds all Iowa drivers to be alert for children on roadways, whether on buses, bikes or on foot.    

“Children are our most valuable and cherished resources,” said DOT Director Mark Wandro. “Take those extra seconds needed to observe your surroundings carefully and avoid the unexpected.”

Bus safety
Statistics show transporting children by bus is the safest way to get them to and from school. Of the thousands of bus trips in 2000 (the latest year where complete data is available), there were 201 reported crashes involving buses. Of those crashes, five people lost their lives – none of the fatalities were children or drivers on school buses. 

Pedestrian Safety
In 2000, four pedestrians under age 14 were killed and 222 were injured in crashes with motor vehicles. Children should cross the street at crosswalks whenever possible, and stop and look both ways for cars or trucks before crossing.  Crossing at areas where there are no crosswalks and running out into the roadway without stopping to look for traffic are the leading causes of pedestrian injuries. Even where there is a crosswalk, children should stop, look and make sure it is safe to cross before stepping into the crosswalk.

Bicycle Safety
To some kids, riding a bicycle to school is a rite of passage. But parental guidance and teaching children safe riding habits are extremely important to assuring young riders’ safety.

The most common car/bike crashes involving children occur when a child exits a driveway, a parking lot or sidewalk onto the roadway and into the path of a car. A child on a bike is small and sometimes hidden from view of the motorists. Parents should teach their child to look both ways – look left, then right, then left again to be sure it is clear before entering the road.

The DOT offers the following basic safety tips for young bicyclists.

• Protect your head. Studies show nearly all bicycle-related deaths involve head trauma. Wearing bicycle helmets can reduce the incidence of head trauma.
• See and be seen. Wear clothing that makes you more visible. Clothing should be bright colored, and tight fitting to avoid being caught in the bike's moving parts. Reflective tape can also help. Stay out of drivers' blind spots.
• Carry books, lunch boxes and other items in a bicycle carrier or backpack – not in your hands.
• Go with the flow of traffic – not against it. Riding against the traffic puts you where motorists don't expect you. Ride far enough away from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars, such as doors opening.
• Learn the rules of the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles and must obey the same rules as motorists. That includes traffic laws such as, stopping for red lights and stop signs.
• Stay alert at all times. Watch for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. Never wear headphones while riding because they can impair your ability to hear traffic.
• Ensure bicycle readiness. Make sure the bicycle is adjusted to fit you. Check to see that all parts are secure and working well, and your wheels are straight and secure.