Commentary: back to school safety Published Aug. 29, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Jose Guillen 48th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Back to school season affects everyone. Whether you have children attending school or are a motorist driving at peak hours, children will be out in force. In order to maintain the safety of all the children going back to school, there are several safety tips everyone needs to follow. If your child is walking or riding a bike to school, make sure they are familiar with the safest, most direct route from their home to their destination. Ensure they are cognizant of vehicles and other hazards they may encounter each day. This includes using phones or other electronic devices that may decrease their situation awareness. Next, make sure they are appropriately dressed for the ever-changing weather. Finally, teach your children to never talk to or approach strangers. School buses are designed to be safer and prevent injuries to an even greater extent than other vehicles. Bus drivers are even required to receive special security and medical training. Some school buses do not have seatbelts installed - due to the design, crash forces are distributed differently than in smaller vehicles. However, make sure your child wears their seatbelt while riding the bus if they are installed. Also, remind your child to be respectful to the bus driver, and to follow any instructions given by them. If you're driving your child to school, ensure you are extremely careful around bus stops and plan for heavier traffic at peak hours. Be mindful of children that are walking or riding their bikes. Don't block any crosswalks and stop for any posted or handheld signs by road guards. Finally, never go around a bus dropping off or picking up children. General safety for all children includes knowing their home phone number and address. If you see something unsafe or suspicious make sure you notify the appropriate people. Let's get this new school year off to a great, safe start.