September 2, 2026 3:30 a.m. 

As Oregon students return to school, the Oregon Department of Transportation urges everyone to stay alert, follow speed limits, avoid distractions, and share the road.

A release from ODOT suggests drivers slow down and stay alert in neighborhoods and school zones, respect school zone speed limits, stop for school buses, focus on driving, and watch for people at crossings.

ODOT suggests teaching children to be visible and predictable when walking. They should cross at corners or marked crosswalks, signal their intent, and look left, right, and left again before entering the street. Children should make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb, use sidewalks when available, and walk facing traffic when there is no sidewalk.

ODOT also urges parents to teach children the rules of the road when biking, scooting, or skateboarding. Children should wear a properly fitted helmet, ride with traffic, obey stop signs and signals, use hand signals and lights, and use reflectors in darkness or low light.

More safety resources are available on the Oregon Safe Routes to School website at: www.oregonsaferoutes.org/resources