Back-to-School 2023/2024

Now that school is back in session, it is a great time to take a look at our beautiful Somersett community and examine how all of us as residents (and students) can do everything possible to be safe and responsible in ensuring the safety of all students. WCSD has a total fleet of 371 General Education buses and 156 specially equipped buses for transporting special needs students. Buses are proven to be the safest way for students to get to and from schools for all grades K-12. Students are encouraged to ride the school bus when living within a school bus zone.

• Students are about 70 times more likely to get to school safely if they ride the bus instead of a car.

• With 24 million students transported over 4 billion miles each year, school buses have only 0.2 fatalities per 100 million miles traveled.

• Most large school buses do not have seat belts for students. Each seating area acts as a protective bubble for students. The seats use thick padding with high seat backs and fronts. The seat frames are constructed to absorb the energy of impact and are securely fastened to the floor. Accident studies have shown that compartmentalization works well when children stay within the seat compartment. (Be sure to remind your kids to stay seated and not roam the bus while in motion.)

Below find the ‘Top 10’ SEE and BE SEEN Walking Tips for all of our Somersett students and families, when walking to and from your “assigned” Bus Stop safely:

1. ALWAYS USE SIDEWALKS! When there are sidewalks available, please use them. If there isn’t a sidewalk, walk in the direction facing traffic and keep your eyes focused on oncoming cars.

2. ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS!

While you are walking stay alert by watching for traffic and other pedestrians and looking at the path you’re walking on.

3. STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN! When you are about to cross a crosswalk or cross the road. Cars may not always stop for you. Make sure you can see the driver and they can see you while you cross.

4. BE SEEN! The brighter you are the easier it is for drivers to see you. If drivers can see you and they know where you are, then they can be careful and avoid you.

5. DON’T HIDE AND DO NOT CHASE ANYTHING INTO THE ROAD! While you walk, walk in a straight line, remain visible, and do not hide. If anything gets loose and flies, rolls, or bounces into the street, let it go and ask an adult to help you get it back.

6. LIGHTS AND SIGNS MAY NOT STOP CARS! Just because there are yellow lights, red lights, and signs, cars still might not stop. Pay attention to the cars to see if they are going to stop. Never assume that a car will stop until it has stopped. Make eye contact with the driver if you can, so you both see each other.

7. BE EXTRA CAREFUL AT INTERSECTIONS! Anywhere roads cross each other it can be dangerous. When you reach intersections, use all the crossing features and follow the rules to stay safe.

8. BE EXTRA CAREFUL IN PARKING LOTS! Cars move quickly in a parking lot, where drivers may not be looking for school children. Make sure they can see you.

9. WALK WITH A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHEN YOU CAN! It is safer to walk with someone. Both of you can look for potential danger and keep each other safe.

10. YOUR SAFETY IS UP TO YOU! If you walk safely and follow all the rules you are less likely to get hit or be involved in a crash.

Driver and student safety not only protect lives but there are laws to be aware of as well.