As the school year begins, Albemarle County would like to take the opportunity to share safety tips and best practices for students and families to start the year on the right foot. Albemarle County Police Department will have an increased presence near schools during the first week of classes to encourage and enforce safe traffic behaviors. 

We wish everyone a happy and safe school year!

General Safety Tips for Students

• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes early. 
• Look both ways before crossing the street and only cross at crosswalks.
• Stand or sit far back from the road while waiting for your bus.
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and for the bus driver to tell you it is ok before getting on or off the bus.
• Do not accept rides from or speak to any strangers. 
• Tell an adult if: 
• There’s someone hanging around campus who does not work at the school and doesn’t seem to be a parent, especially if this adult is approaching you or other children.
• Another student is talking about bringing weapons or dangerous materials to school.
• You are the victim of or see other students being bullied.

Driving Tips

Dropping Off Your Student

• Know your school’s drop-off procedures. 
• Don't double park.
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles around the school.

Driving Near Schools

• Follow the posted speed limit.
• Look out for pedestrians everywhere, not just near crosswalks. 
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when entering a crosswalk.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
• Don't block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or while waiting to make a turn. 
• Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you can’t see.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
• Always stop for a patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
• Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas. Remember, smaller children may be difficult for drivers to see.
• Put. Down. The. Phone.

Sharing the Road with School Buses

• If you're driving behind a bus, allow a greater following distance than if you were driving behind a car. 
• It is illegal in all 50 states to pass a school bus that is stopped to load or unload children.
• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.
• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.
• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.
• Be alert; children are often unpredictable.

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists

• Young riders may not fully know all the rules of the road. Proceed with caution when driving near young bicyclists.
• When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, and leave 3 feet between your car and the rider.
• When turning left and a bicyclist is approaching in the opposite direction, wait for the rider to pass.
• Always use your turn signals and make eye contact when possible.
• Be extra vigilant in school zones and residential neighborhoods.
• Watch for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.
• Check side mirrors for bicycles before opening your door.

Walking & Biking Tips

Always remember: Be Visible. Be Predictable. Be Aware.

• Be Visible:
• When operating a bicycle, moped, skateboard or scooter before sunrise or after sunset, at minimum, use a white headlight and a red, rear reflector.  
• Additionally, bicycles traveling on roadways with a speed limit of 35mph or greater must display a red, rear tail-light, visible for at least 500 feet.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
• Wear bright clothing. 
• Be Predictable:
• Pedestrians should be mindful of crossing roadways only at intersections or designated crosswalks, where drivers expect pedestrians.  
• Follow the rules of the road.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• Bicyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Be Aware:
• Earbuds and headphones are prohibited for use by bicyclists and moped riders.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
• Young children may not be able to judge whether it is safe to cross a street. Teach children early about the importance of safe behavior on the roadway.