Safety, Security and Preparedness Tips

• Dial 911: In an emergency (life threatening) situation, you should dial 911 first and then have someone nearby contact district administration.
• Report: If you hear someone make a threat or observe something of a suspicious or potentially threatening nature, you should report it to a School Resource Officer or district administration without hesitation.
• Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts: if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, seek the assistance of an Olentangy Schools employee or administrator.
• Be mindful: Watch for pedestrians, especially children who are walking, biking, or waiting at bus stops.
• Drive sensibly: Obey the posted speed limits, do not pass other vehicles, change lanes, or make U-turns while driving in a school zone.
• Familiarize yourself with bus signals:
      1. Yellow flashing lights indicate that a bus is preparing to stop, and that motorists should begin to slow down.
      2. Red lights and an extended stop sign mean that the bus has come to a stop and children are getting on or off the bus. At this time, drivers travelling in both directions must remain stopped until the lights turn off and the stop sign is back in place.
• Avoid distracted driving: Do not text and drive and use a hands-free device.

For Teen Drivers

For inexperienced drivers, back to school means increased freedom—and increased responsibility. Teens are often surrounded by distractions and have to learn how to get themselves to school on time and to do it safely. Teen drivers can prepare themselves by familiarizing themselves with these school safety tips:

• Put down the phone: Teendriving.com reports that in a recent poll of drivers ages 16–19, over 50% admitted to texting while driving. Taking your eyes off the road to look at your phone for even a split-second could result in a serious accident. Many states have laws against using a phone while driving for this reason. Never text and drive, and always use a hands-free device if you need to make a call while driving.
• Pay attention to driving: A recent study by the National Safety Council showed that 14.6% of accidents involving teen drivers were a result of their attention to passengers in the car. For newer drivers, placing a limit on the number of passengers in the car helps reduce the likelihood of distractions.
• Buckle up: Make sure your teens wear their seatbelt and make sure that any passengers in the car buckle up, as well.
• Know the rules for driving in school zones: Obey posted speed limits, do not pass other vehicles, change lanes, or make U-turns.
• Don’t rush: Accidents happen when drivers ignore basic school safety tips and are in a hurry! Make sure there’s plenty of time to reach the destination and find parking.
• Secure your car and its contents: Before getting out of the car, make sure any valuables are stored out of sight. And don’t forget to lock it!
• Practice driving with parents: According to the National Safety Council, the more time teens spend driving with their parents, the more likely they are to avoid a crash.