🚌 Back to School Means Back to School Safety! 🎒

Today marks the first day of school for students across our area! As buses return to the roads, students head back to bus stops, and families settle into new routines, the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company would like to wish our students, teachers, administrators, bus drivers and school staff a safe and successful school year! 💙💛

For all of us sharing the roads, the start of school is also a good time to refresh a few important safety habits.

🛑 Drivers — watch for school buses.
Slow down, allow extra travel time and be prepared for frequent stops. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing, STOP as required by law. Never attempt to pass a stopped school bus when its red lights are activated.

👀 Watch for children.
Kids may be walking along roads, waiting at bus stops or crossing streets—sometimes in places you aren't accustomed to seeing them during the summer. Be especially alert during the morning and afternoon school hours.

📵 Put the phone down.
A few seconds of distraction behind the wheel can have devastating consequences. School zones, bus stops and neighborhoods filled with children deserve your complete attention.

🚸 Parents and students — talk about bus stop safety.
Wait in a safe location away from traffic, avoid horseplay near the roadway, and never approach the bus until it has completely stopped. When crossing, make sure the bus driver can see you and always look carefully for other vehicles.

🚗 Expect more traffic.
Those quiet summer morning commutes are over! Give yourself a few extra minutes, be patient with school buses and other drivers, and remember that everyone is adjusting to new schedules and routines.

And perhaps the most important reminder:

That school bus isn't simply slowing down your morning commute. It's carrying someone's child. ❤️

Let's start this school year by looking out for one another and helping make sure every student gets to school safely and back home safely.

From all of us at the Reese & Community Volunteer Fire Company, have a wonderful first day and a safe school year! 📚✏️🚌

#ReeseVFC #BackToSchool #SchoolBusSafety #BackToSchoolSafety #DriveSafe #SchoolSafety #CarrollCountyMD #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors