Stay safe on the road
To safeguard students, here are some basic guidelines for drivers, bike riders and pedestrians.
It is important that adults and children review and understand these tips before heading out the door.
Pedestrians
- After walking to the bus stop, stand away from the road as you wait. See bus rules in Mesa Public Schools.
- Walk on the left side of the road (against traffic), and watch for drivers making turns.
- Stop and check for oncoming traffic before entering a crosswalk.
- Always cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
- Wear brightly colored clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you.
- See more pedestrian safety tips
Bicycle riders
- Always wear a properly fitted and approved bike helmet. To determine if the helmet meets safety specifications, make sure a sticker from the Snell Foundation, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the American National Standards Institute appears on the inside of the helmet.
- Wear brightly colored clothing.
- Always ride on the right side of the road (not against traffic).
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Stop and check for traffic in both directions before entering the roadway.
- Be cautious while riding near parked cars, keeping an eye out for opening doors.
- Never carry anything in your hands or attached to the handles while riding; use a bike rack or basket.
- Never carry a passenger on a bicycle.
- Walk your bicycle across the street, and use crosswalks.
- See more bicycle safety tips
Drivers
- Do not eat, drink, text, talk on a cellphone or do anything else that distracts you. Always make school zones No Phone Zones!
- Use proper restraints — appropriate car or booster seats for children under 8, and seat belts for adults and children over 8. Check the manufacturer's height and weight guidelines. Keep your child in the back seat at least through age 12.
- Never exceed the speed limit, and stay alert to oncoming traffic, pedestrians or bicyclists.
- Obey the 15 mph school zone speed limit, and do not pass another driver in a school zone.
- Be especially vigilant near school buses. Stop when the “Stop” arm is extended, and be on the lookout for children crossing the street before or after the bus has stopped. See when to stop.
- Look for flashing yellow lights and signs that indicate reduced speed limits when school is in session.
- Before making a right turn, check in both directions to look for pedestrians or bicyclists.
- See more driver safety tips