5 Ways to Ensure a Safe Journey Back to School

School Bells are Ringing

As students return to their classrooms and the school year kicks off, the safety of their daily commute takes on a critical role. With increasing distractions and busier roadways, it's time to rethink how we ensure our young travelers reach school safely. The good news? Effective, innovative solutions are at our fingertips—and they're easier to implement than you might think!

Whether you're a school administrator or part of local government, consider these five creative strategies to empower students as they travel confidently to and from school:

Upgrade Crosswalks with Smart Technology

To reduce the risks associated with "Smartphone Walking," it's essential to adopt solutions like smart traffic signals with LED-lit pavement projections—one example being the COMBIA SafeLight—to catch the attention of distracted pedestrians and drivers. By enhancing crosswalks with clear road markings and vehicle-activated signs, we can significantly boost visibility and provide children with the safe passage they deserve.


Deploy Digital Signs to Curb Speeding

School zone speeding is one of the most significant threats to our children's safety. Vehicle-activated signs that respond to real-time traffic conditions can effectively mitigate this danger. These signs flash reminders during school hours, drop-off, and pick-up times, encouraging drivers to slow down. This proactive approach offers vital protection without relying solely on law enforcement.

Create Safer Cycling Routes for Students

With more students choosing to cycle to school, we must ensure these routes are safe and accessible. Implementing colored bike lanes, clear signage, and dedicated cycling traffic infrastructure, such as dedicated signals, can provide young cyclists with essential guidance and ensure they receive the space they need on the road. Not only does this initiative promote sustainability, but it also safeguards our children as they travel.

Integrate Traffic Safety into Schoolyards

Who says safety education has to be boring? Schools can transform their playgrounds into interactive learning environments. By using road markings—such as preformed arrows or lines that become miniature city models—children can learn important traffic safety skills in a fun and memorable way. This playful approach promotes early traffic education. In addition, colorful playground markings promote cognitive development and team spirit during recess in the schoolyard.

Encourage Student Innovation in Traffic Safety

Traffic safety isn’t solely an adult concern. At SWARCO, we invite students to channel their creativity through workshops, challenges, and projects that focus on reimagining mobility around schools. This fall, we’ll open our doors in Austria and the UK to our Young Mobility Ambassadors Program to inspire the next generation of traffic safety innovators, welcoming fresh ideas that can make a real difference.

Ready to Take Action?

From modern signaling systems to fun safety education tools, SWARCO partners with schools and local governments to bring these impactful concepts to life. Whether you’re embarking on a new initiative or seeking to enhance your current setup, we’re dedicated to helping create safer routes for students in your community.

Together, let’s work towards making every school journey safe and secure.