Safety Tips: Walking To and From School

Every school morning, thousands of Hillsborough County kids walk to class through crosswalks, along sidewalks, and past busy intersections. Keeping them safe takes all of us.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is asking parents and children to follow a few simple steps to stay safe, while we do our part to enforce the rules of the road.

"Protecting our children starts before they ever reach the school doors," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our deputies and crossing guards are out there enforcing traffic laws, watching our crosswalks, and making sure anyone who endangers a child on their way to school is held accountable."

Tips for Kids

• Use the sidewalk: Always use the sidewalk, and if there isn't one, walk facing traffic so you can see cars coming.
• Cross at the crosswalk: Jaywalking is dangerous. Find a crosswalk and look left, right, then left again.
• Listen to your crossing guard: Crossing guards are there to help you cross safely. Listen carefully and follow directions.
• Be seen: Wear bright colors, especially in the early morning, so that motorists can see you.
• Stay alert: Save your phone and headphones for after you've safely arrived.

Tips for Parents

• Practice the route together: Walk the route with your child before the first day of school so they feel confident.
• Identify safe crossing points: Make sure your child knows exactly where the crosswalks and crossing guards are, and that they use them every time.
• Be a good example: Children copy what they see. Put the phone down and follow the same rules you're teaching them.
• Have the stranger conversation: Have a calm and clear conversation on who to trust, what to do, and where to go if something feels wrong.
• Check in on timing: Know roughly how long the walk takes them so you can notice if your child is late getting home.

For Children

• Use the sidewalk.
• Cross at the crosswalk.
• Listen to your crossing guard.
• Be seen. Wear bright colors.
• Stay alert. Put phone away.

For Parents

• Practice the route together.
• Identigy safe crossing points
• Be a good example.
• Have the stranger conversation.
• Check in on timing.

Download and print this checklist and keep it by the door, or share it with your school.