Travel Tips and Safety Resources from Public Health – Seattle & King County

Slow down in school zones. Speed limits save lives, especially near schools.

Buckle up, every time. Make sure everyone in the car is safely strapped in.

Put your phone away. Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes. Place your phone in the glove box or switch to “Do Not Disturb.” 

Stop for school buses. Not sure when to stop? Follow these guidelines: 

• 2-lane roadway: both directions stop 
• 3+ lanes: stop if traveling same direction as bus 
• Turning lane: stop if traveling same direction as bus 
• Median: stop if traveling same direction as bus 

Washington state law requires children under 2 to ride rear-facing. Best practice: keep them rear-facing as long as possible, ideally until closer to age 4.

While state law requires all children under the age of 4 to be in a harness, the best practice is to keep a child in a harness until they can sit properly in a booster seat 100% of the time.

The back seat is safest. Kids under 13 must ride in the back to avoid airbag injuries.

Booster seats are required until your child is at least 4’9” and passes the 5-step seatbelt test: 

1. Back against vehicle seat; no slouching. 
2. Knees bend at edge of seat. 
3. Lap belt low across upper thighs and shoulder belt across mid shoulder. 
4. Feet rest on floor. 
5. Remain in position entire trip.

Look left, right, and left again at every intersection. Obey stop signs and red lights.

Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. 

Always walk on sidewalks or the left side of the road, facing traffic.

For biking, remember your ABCs: 

• A properly fitted helmet. 
• Bike lights or reflective gear. 
• Clothing that’s bright and visible