Fargo Police and Sanford’s Safe Kids share safety lessons for the start of the school year

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — As the school year kicks off into full swing, there are many lessons that a student should learn prior to getting back into the classroom.

“Know your plan, know your path right. So have that active conversation with your child so that the whole family is aware how are we going to school, what roads am I crossing, making sure we cross that intersection or crosswalks is important whether you’re a pedestrian or a biker,” said Katie Heck, Safe Kids Fargo-Moorhead Coordinator at Sanford.

Nationwide, about 11 percent of students either walk or bike to school. Although the number is low, Heck wants drivers to pay extra attention to their surroundings.

“Whether you have a child or not, being that diligent driver, very alert and aware of what is going on around you, and being willing to give that extra time and space for those pedestrians and bikers,” said Heck.

Fargo Police posted to social media, reminding drivers that passing school buses when the stop sign is out comes with a fine of $250. Lt. Travis Moser said that there will be more officers stationed near many of the schools to make sure that students are safe.

“There’s going to be a lot of excitement. Kids coming back to school, kids wanting to get to school and like we said, we encourage parents to have that conversation with their kids about general safety. Especially getting on and off buses and getting to the bus stop. And then just to let everyone in the community know, school’s back in session, keep your eye out for school buses and just be aware there’s going to be more kiddos out running around,” said Moser.