Rules to live by: tips for parents to keep schoolchildren safe Published Aug. 12, 2010 81st Training Wing Safety Office KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Now that the new school year is under way, here are some tips for driving safely through school zones Expect the unexpected. Children may cross the street at the wrong place or unexpectedly run or ride in front of you. Know what is around you. It's easier to anticipate that children or parents might do the unexpected if you're aware that they're there. Be courteous and patient. Parents who are running late may need to get back into traffic after dropping their child off. Give them a break. Obey all laws. Don't travel faster than 15 miles per hour, and travel even slower if there are a number of children along the road or crossing the street. Come to a full stop at intersections. Be predictable. Don't make sudden maneuvers that others, particularly children on foot or on a bicycle, aren't expecting. Don't be distracted. Put down the coffee, put down the cell phone and put both hands on the wheel. Avoid distractions within your vehicle, including loud music. Secure your children. Ensure your children are secured in a correctly installed child restraint system. Yield to pedestrians. It isn't just courteous -- it's Mississippi law. Stop for the bus. In either direction, if a school bus has its red lights flashing, you must stop. If the bus is outfitted with flashing yellow lights, anticipate it will soon stop and children may be crossing in front of you. Avoid traffic. If possible, park a block away and walk your child the rest of the way to limit traffic around your child's school. Follow the pattern. If your school has implemented a traffice plan for drop off and pick up, follow it. If your school doesn't have a plan, contact the principal and suggest that one be developed. Try walking. Walk your child to school to reduce traffic congestion and improve health. Minimize traffic exposure. Drop children off on the school side of the street. Avoid having them cross the street. Look in both directions. Teach your child to look in all directions -- left, right, behind and front -- and then to walk cautiously when crossing a street.