The Federal Way Police Department released traffic safety guidelines before the upcoming school year, which begins on Sept. 3.

The release from FWPD Commander Kyle Buchanan said that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, from 2012 to 2021 there were 998 school transportation-related fatal crashes in the United States, resulting in 1,110 fatalities of people of all ages. Additionally, the data shows that there are more school-age pedestrians killed from 6 a.m to 7 a.m. than any other hours of the day.

“The Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) would like to remind drivers, students and parents to put safety first in school zones and near bus stops,” Buchanan said in the release. “Students travel to school by a variety of means: school bus, walking, bicycles, public transportation, or in vehicles with family and friends. It is everyone’s responsibility to use caution and stay focused and alert around traffic to ensure children can travel to and from school safely.”

The release said to enhance school transportation safety further, FWPD offers the following traffic safety tips for everyone. Buchanan added that an informational video with similar information is on the department’s Facebook page

Motorists should drive with extra caution around children going to/from school:

Obey signs, signal and crossing guards in school zones.

Slow down-especially around school zones and bus stops.

Learn and obey the school bus laws in your state.

Drive focused and alert at all times. Avoid use of electronic devices and other distracting behaviors while driving.

Ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up properly and that children are in the back seat with the proper restraint system.

School bus safety:

Stay three giant steps (six feet) away from the curb when waiting for the bus; and when the school bus arrives, wait until the driver says to board.

Quickly board the school bus, find a seat, sit facing the front, and listen to directions from bus drivers.

When exiting the bus, cross the road at least ten feet away from the front of the bus.

Walking to school is safer when children:

Walk with an adult, responsible older sibling, or in a group

Walk on the sidewalk if there is one, or walk facing traffic as far away from the street as possible.

Walk focused and alert. Never use electronics or wear earphones when crossing the street.

Pay attention to their surroundings.

Cross at an intersection, in a marked cross walk, with a pedestrian WALK signal.

Stop and look left-right-left for all traffic, including bicycles, before crossing. Cross only when it is clear.

Wear bright colors and/or use lights or reflective gear to be more visible to motorists.

Biking to and from school is safer when children:

Wear and buckle a properly fit helmet every ride.

Wear bright colors and/or use lights or reflective wear to be more visible to motorists.

Have a good grasp of traffic safety rules including riding in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all stop signs and signals.

Choose safe routs to ride, including streets with lower traffic volume and speeds.

Ride focused and alert – never using electronics or ear phones while riding.

For further information, contact Commander Kyle Buchanan at kyle.buchanan@federalwaywa.gov or 253-835-6787.