Ft Worth Times

As the new school year approaches, the City of Fort Worth’s (COFW) Transportation & Public Works (TPW) Department is gearing up to launch an ambitious safety campaign aimed at ensuring students’ safe travel to school. With a focus on fostering active transportation options like walking and biking, the Crosswalk Champions initiative is set to roll out for the 2023-2024 school year.

Why it matters: The City administers a School Crossing Guard Program, which is run by TPW, providing vital safety services to 14 districts within the city limits. The program is operational during school drop-off and pickup hours throughout the academic year and during Summer School as needed.

Eligibility for guard services extends to public, private and charter elementary and middle schools within Fort Worth. Schools seeking crossing guards can request their services through a convenient online form.

The big picture: A fundamental aspect of the Crosswalk Champions campaign is educating students, parents and the community about crosswalk safety. TPW is developing a comprehensive Motorist and Pedestrian Crossing Beacon Guide to ensure that all roadway users know how to correctly use the crossing beacons installed throughout the city.

On Oct. 4, TPW will host National Walk to School Day, bringing together students, parents, school staff and community members for a morning walk to school. TPW will also conduct safety assemblies and presentations at schools. Learn more information as the date approaches.

Key messages will emphasize the importance of:

• Following traffic rules;
• Using crosswalks;
• Reflective clothing;
• Adhering to reduced speed limits in school zones.

Safety is the No. 1 focus for the City and local school districts. Fort Worth Police Department School Resource Officers (SROs) are full-time police officers who are contracted, primarily with Fort Worth Independent School District, to serve in area schools. Currently, SROs are at middle and high schools, with a total of 59 SROs assigned to schools in Fort Worth. In addition to protecting students on campuses, SROs are heavily involved in education events and community outreach to local students and their families.

What they’re saying: Last August and September, MedStar responded to eight auto-pedestrian crashes involving patients under 18 years old. Emily Hill, a MedStar paramedic and assistant operations manager, encourages drivers to stay alert and for parents to teach their kids how to be careful while going to or from school.

Follow these tips to protect kids

• Parents should do a “dry run” with their kids walking to school or to the bus stop and walking home.
• When waiting for the bus, do not stray onto the street, alleys or private property; line up away from the street or road as the bus approaches; wait until the bus has stopped and the door opens before approaching the bus; and use the handrail when boarding.
• When walking to the bus stop or to the school, children should not rely on drivers to stop for a school bus.
• Other things to remember: walk on the sidewalk if one is available; look both ways before crossing the street; never walk while talking or texting on the phone; don’t walk with headphones on; cross only at crosswalks.

Tips for a safe bus ride to and from school

• If seat belts are available on the bus, buckle up and stay in your seat.
• Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.
• Wait for the bus to stop before getting up from your seat.
• If you have to cross in front of the bus, first walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver, making sure the driver can see you.
• Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
• Do not cross the center line of the road until the driver signals it is safe; always stay away from the rear wheels of the bus.

 

Internet safety tips

Along with safe transportation, the City also provides fundamental information in regard to internet safety for school-age children. Today, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering countless opportunities for learning, communication and entertainment. As the online landscape continues to expand, it’s crucial to ensure that school-age children are equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital world safely.

• Open communication: Encourage an open and honest dialogue with children about their online activities. Create a safe space where they feel comfortable discussing their online experiences, questions and concerns.
• Strong password practices: Teach children the importance of strong, unique passwords for each online account. Emphasize the significance of avoiding easily guessable passwords like birthdays or pet names.
• Privacy awareness: Explain the concept of personal information, and stress the need to keep it private. Instruct children not to share details like their full name, address, school name or phone number on public platforms.
• Safe social media usage: If your child is old enough for social media, guide them on responsible usage. Talk about the importance of accepting friend requests only from people they know in real life and avoiding sharing personal information or intimate photos online.
• Other topics to discuss include: cyberbullying awareness, avoiding strangers online, appropriate content, digital footprint awareness and time management.

Original source can be found here.