Back-to-School Safety Tips: A Message from OWL VFD

As students get ready to head back to the classroom, OWL VFD encourages families to prioritize safety—on the road, at home, and in the community. Whether your child is walking to school, riding the bus, or getting dropped off, a few simple precautions can help ensure a safe and smooth start to the school year.

School Bus Safety

Remember, you must stop for a stopped school bus from any direction on a highway, private road, or school driveway and remain stopped until the bus moves and everyone is clear. Violating this law is reckless driving under Virginia law. (Va. Code § 46.2-859). Virginia Law

• Never pass on the right side of a school bus where children enter or exit. This is illegal and can have tragic results.
• Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is preparing to stop and load or unload children. Motorists need to slow down and prepare to stop.
• Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm mean the bus has stopped and children are boarding or exiting the bus. Motorists must come to a complete stop a safe distance from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is retracted, and the bus begins moving before they start driving again.
• Watch out for children who may be thinking about getting to school, but may not be thinking about getting there safely.
• Slow down. Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. Watch for children playing and gathering near bus stops.
• Be alert. Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
• When approaching a bus stop with children waiting for the bus, slow down and drive with caution. Children are unpredictable with their behavior and they may accidentally step into the street unaware of traffic.

Civil (camera) enforcement also exists.

Virginia law permits school divisions to use video cameras on school buses to help enforce school bus stopping laws. When a vehicle illegally passes a stopped school bus, a citation may be issued to the registered owner by mail. Separate provisions allow a $250 civil penalty when a stop-arm camera captures the violation (no license points). (Va. Code § 46.2-844; see also local implementations and school division guidance).

Walking and Biking Safety

• Use crosswalks: Always cross at intersections and obey crossing guards and signals.

• Look both ways: Teach kids to stop, look left-right-left, and listen before stepping into the road.

• Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in early morning or late afternoon.

• Helmet check: If biking, always wear a properly fitted helmet and ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Safety

• Know the rules: Follow school procedures for drop-off and pick-up lanes.

• Avoid double parking: It blocks visibility and creates hazards for pedestrians.

• Stay focused: Avoid texting or using your phone in school zones, and obey posted speed limits.

• Watch for kids: Children may dart between vehicles or cross unexpectedly—drive cautiously.

Home Safety Reminders

• Practice fire drills: Review your home escape plan and make sure smoke alarms are working.

• Check backpacks: Remind children to keep matches, lighters, and other fire-starting materials out of school bags.

• After-school awareness: If children are home alone after school, make sure they know how to call 911 and what to do in an emergency.

For Older Students

• Driving teens: Remind new drivers about distracted driving, seatbelt use, and the dangers of speeding in school zones.

• Mental wellness: Encourage open conversations about back-to-school stress, peer pressure, and safety on campus.

OWL Is Here for You

OWL VFD is proud to protect our community year-round—including during the busy back-to-school season.

Have questions about fire safety or want to learn more about our community programs? Contact us or visit us at owlvfd.org.

Stay safe and have a great school year!