Making the Roadways Safer

Whether you’re driving, walking, biking, or riding the bus, here are some key tips to keep in mind: 

For Drivers

• Slow down in school zones. Speed limits save lives, especially near schools. 
• Buckle up, every time. Make sure everyone in the car is safely strapped in. 
• Put your phone away. Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes. Place your phone in the glove box or switch to “Do Not Disturb.” 
• Stop for school buses. Not sure when to stop? Follow these guidelines: 

For Passengers

• Washington state child car seat law requires children under 2 to ride rear-facing. Best practice: keep them rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until closer to age 4. 
• While state law requires all children under the age of 4 to be in a harness, the best practice is to keep a child in a harness until they can sit properly in a booster seat 100% of the time. 
• The back seat is safest. Kids under 13 must ride in the back to avoid airbag injuries.
• Booster seats are required until your child is at least 4’9” and passes the 5-step seatbelt test:

For Teens

Help your teen build safe driving habits: 

• Use a contract like the one available from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. 
• Make rules such as:  
• No phones while driving – set the expectation that they can text once they arrive.  
• Follow the speed limit. 
• Plan safe, sober rides home.  
• Buckle up every ride. 
• Discuss the top fatal crash risks: distraction, speeding, late-night driving, impairment, and not wearing a seat belt.  
• Encourage them to download the You in the Driver’s Seat app, which rewards safe driving with gift cards. 
• Learn more by visiting About Teens in the Driver Seat. 

Walking or Rolling to School

Look left, right, and left again at every intersection. Obey stop signs and red lights. 

Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. 

Always walk on sidewalks or the left side of the road, facing traffic. 

For biking, remember your ABCs: 

A properly fitted helmet.

Bike lights or reflective gear.

Clothing that’s bright and visible.

Resources

• King County Target Zero and Washington State Child Safety Passenger Program. 
• Find a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician: National Child Passenger Safety or attend a local car seat check event.  
• Bike helmet help: Bike helmets and bicycle safety – King County, Washington and Free or low-cost providers. 

Wishing you a safe and successful school year!