• Get to the bus stop at least five minutes early.
• Stay away from the curb.
• Pay attention as the bus drives up.
• Let the bus come to a full stop before getting on.
• Don’t push or crowd getting on or off the bus.

• Find a seat, sit down and face forward.
• Stay seated the entire ride.
• Listen to the bus driver and follow directions.
• Keep the aisles clear.
• Don’t stick anything out of the windows, especially your head or arm.
• Don’t throw anything in the bus or out a window.
• Don’t scream or shout.

• Make sure clothes drawstrings and book bag straps don’t get caught in doors or handrails.
• Always cross the street in front of the bus while it is stopped. Never cross behind it.
• Keep away from the bus if you drop something. Don’t try to pick it up without telling the driver.
• Don’t go into the “danger zone.”
• Walk at least three giant steps away from the bus.

• In winter, dress in bright clothes.
• If you bundle up, make sure you can see and hear traffic.
• In winter and on rainy days, give the bus more room to stop.

• Watch them when they’re outdoors. Be especially vigilant if they’re in the front yard.
• Don’t let them on or near a street if possible.
• Don’t let them play in driveways.

Teach them to:

• Stop at the curb or edge of the road before crossing and to never run into the street.
• Look and listen for traffic to the left, then to the right and then to the left again. Keep looking while crossing the street.
• Cross at the street corner and walk in crosswalks.
• Obey traffic signals and signs.
• Always watch for cars. Drivers may not see them or yield the right of way.
• Never cross the street between parked cars.

Teach them to:

• Walk or run facing traffic. Stay to the left if there are no sidewalks.
• Always be aware of their surroundings.
• Continue crossing the street if they are halfway when the light changes. Be quick, but don’t run.
• Wear clothes that can be easily seen after dark. Apply reflective tape or material to the clothes.

• Drink responsibly.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Don’t speed or drive recklessly.
• Require passengers to wear seat belts.
• Make sure your teen’s car is mechanically safe.
• Impose penalties for irresponsible driving.
• Limit the number and age of passengers.
• Restrict nighttime driving.
• Delay unsupervised driving until you’re confident in your child’s ability.

• Help your teen learn driving laws.
• Make it clear alcohol is illegal for those younger than 21.
• Explain the harsh consequences of drinking and driving or riding with a driver who has been drinking. Talk about the consequences of being arrested for driving under the influence while underage.
• Begin to teach your child about alcohol by ages 9 to 11.
• Teach your child about true friendship so they can resist peer pressure.

• Encourage your child to talk to you about anything.
• Encourage teens to choose friends who don’t drink.
• Insist that teens never get in a car with a drinking driver or friend. Tell your child to call you or another trusted adult for a ride, or tell them to take a taxi you will pay for.
• Encourage your child to avoid parties with alcohol.

• Mentally walk through every aspect of your trip. Make a list of supplies.
• Talk with your health care provider about emergency care at your destination. Get a pediatrician referral to have on hand.
• If your child is on medication, make sure you have enough. Keep it with you and take the prescription. Know where you can get more medication or medical supplies.
• When traveling long distances, take time zones into account when figuring medication intervals.
• Take a fully stocked first-aid kit.
• Give your child ID information in case you’re separated. Include:
  • Your child’s name.
  • Your name.
  • Your destination address and phone number.
  • Your home address and phone number.
  • Any medical information.
  • Consider including the name and phone number of a relative.
• Carry a recent color photo of your child.
• Always go with children into public restrooms.

• Give yourself enough time to get where you’re going. Include time for rest stops.
• If you’re driving, use child restraints.
• Keep children occupied while driving. Don’t allow them to distract the driver.
• Check road conditions, closures and construction on state transportation or auto club websites.
• Pack an emergency road kit that includes a first-aid kit, flashlight, reflectors or flares, food, water and blankets.
• Some car rental companies supply child-safety seats. Make sure they’re clean, in good condition and properly installed.
• If your child has trouble with long car rides, consider flying or riding a train or bus. It may be faster and easier on your child and you.
• If you travel by train or bus, follow safety recommendations.

• The Air Transport Association and airlines recommend a car seat or child safety seat if your child weighs 40 pounds or less. Most airlines offer discounted fares for small children using safety seats.
• Holding a small child on your lap is not safe in turbulence or an emergency.
• If you use a car seat or child safety seat, book a window seat so your child’s seat doesn’t block the escape path.
• If your child has a medical condition that may be important, tell a flight attendant or gate agent.
• Call the Federal Aviation Administration’s consumer hot line at 800-322-7873 for more safety recommendations.

• Find out before you leave if your hotel rooms have child-safety features. If not, pack outlet covers, cabinet door locks and other safety items.
• If your room has a kitchen, pack covers for stove knobs or remove the knobs.
• If the hotel has cribs and other child furniture, make sure they’re safe and in good condition. Reserve items in advance.
• If your hotel, resort or cruise ship offers children’s activities or baby-sitting, make sure the staff is trained. Ask if a doctor is on call.
• If your child has a disability, learn in advance if hotels, restaurants, transportation carriers and attractions can accommodate special needs. Some hotels offer roll-in showers, flashing-light smoke alarms, lowered light switches and other amenities.

• Ask about procedures that may be required and about escort services the carrier may provide. Arrange escort services in advance.
• When making reservations, make it clear your child will be traveling alone.
• Get to the terminal early. Your child may be able to pre-board, reducing stress.
• Stay at the terminal until you see the plane, train or bus leave.
• The people meeting your child at the destination will need proper ID. Ask them to be at the gate before the flight arrives. Tell them about delays or plan changes.
• Make sure your child contacts you on arrival.

• Make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date.
• Talk to your pediatrician about vaccinations that might be needed. Get them in advance in case there’s a reaction.
• Make sure you have needed medical release forms.
• Take installable seat belts, child safety seats and child helmets with you. They may be hard to get in some countries.
• Be careful with exotic foods. Your child’s digestive system may have to adapt gradually.