Safe Kids Columbia Coalition

08/31/2026

is always helped by crosswalks, crossing guards and pedestrian crossing signs. Make sure to look left, right, and left again before crossing, crossing in the crosswalk and, if on duty, the .

A crossing guard can be an important part of a safer school zone. 🚸

Between busy intersections, heavy traffic and the chaos of pick-up and drop-off, getting to and from school can be challenging for young pedestrians. Children are also less capable than adults of judging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles, making supervision especially important for younger students.

Crossing guards help children safely navigate busy streets and can make it easier for students to walk or bike to school. Research from the CDC found that schools with paid or volunteer crossing guards were more likely to have a greater share of students walking or biking to school.

As kids head back to school, take a moment to thank your local crossing guard for helping keep children safe. And consider your own community: What could change to make walking and biking safer for kids and pedestrians of all ages?

08/28/2026

is important to talk about. Make sure to emphasize ALWAYS wearing your seatbelt, putting the phone down, going the speed limit, and NO impaired driving.

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08/25/2026

Don't pass stopped school buses! Not only is it illegal and unsafe, you'll have monetary and possible driver's license consequences. 🛑 🚌 🛑

A new Missouri law will increase the penalties and fines for drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. The law goes into effect Aug. 28, right around the start of the new school year.

Read more about the law and bus safety rules you need to know at https://www.komu.com/news/education/new-missouri-law-intensifies-fines-for-illegally-passing-a-school-bus/article_2cbd05f4-3efb-44de-b225-c1f00388795f.html?utm_source=SocialNewsDesk&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=SND_facebook

08/24/2026

With school starting, here's a reminder of how to stay safe around school buses and in school zones. Keep your heads up, your phones down, and buckle up. Also, take a look at this graphic from Missouri State Highway Patrol and make sure you know what to do when you are driving near school busses and when you need to STOP. There are children loading and unloading and they need to stay safe. 🛑🚍👧

08/21/2026

Are the kids riding their bikes, scooters or skateboards to school this year? Make sure they know the rules of the road and have properly fitted helmets.
https://www.safekids.org/tip/bike-safety-tips

08/19/2026

Today we were able to help 9 kids and their families with car seat installation and harnessing. That's 9 more safe kids in the car.
This is a good time to bring up the increase that we have been seeing in counterfeit car seats purchased from non-reputable sources. Purchasing new doesn't mean that it meets the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and can put children at risk in a motor vehicle crash. If the price seems too good to be true, it is most likely not made by a car seat manufacturer. They are required to test car seats for safety and meet standards. BE AWARE and ask questions. There are Child Passenger Safety Technicians and Clinicians that can help you figure out if you are looking at something that will be safe for your child.


Here is a good article by the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to avoid counterfeit car seats.

With low-quality or counterfeit car seats becoming more available to consumers, pediatricians play a key role in ensuring families can keep children safe while riding in a car.

08/18/2026

Take a look at all the latest Safe Kids tips for - The school year is kicking off, so make sure you're going over all the safety rules to prevent injury. ❤️

Back to School highlights the importance of transportation safety as children return to their school routines.

08/17/2026

Back to School is the perfect time to take a look at that manual and label for minimum and maximum weights and heights on car seats.
Here are a few pointers:
1) Be sure to max out (weight or height depending on child) rear facing with a harness before turning around to forward facing with a harness and tether
2) Be sure to max out (weight or height depending on child) on forward facing with a harness and tether, before switching to a belt positioning high back booster or no back booster if appropriate
3) Be sure to max out (weight or height depending on child) on the booster and 5-step (sit all the way back, knees bend naturally at the seat edge, lap belt low on hips/thighs, shoulder belt across chest/shoulder, and stay in position the whole ride) before moving to the seat belt.
4) And LASTLY - keep all kids under 13 out of the front seat to protect from air bags. The school drop off is not an EXCUSE to skip steps. Just make sure to help grade school kids know what they need to do to get out of their appropriate seat quickly.
Each stage provides maximum protection and is height and weight appropriate, so don't RUSH. It's for their safety.

Back-to-school shopping has a way of reminding us just how fast kids grow. Pants are suddenly too short, shoes don't fit anymore... and those summer growth spurts may mean it's time to check their car seat, too.

Height, weight, and age limits are there to help keep kids safe. Before the school year begins, take a moment to check the label on your child's car seat to make sure they're still within the seat's height, weight, and age limits. When they outgrow the maximum height or weight listed on the label, it's time to move to the next appropriate seat.

Learn more and find an event near you: https://events.safekids.org/

08/12/2026

No matter where your kids are riding, they should always be safe. Make sure that carpool drivers or caregivers are keeping kids safe in the car every ride, every time.

Did you know that 58% of caregivers say their child rides with another driver at least once a week? But 30% of carpool drivers admit they don’t always follow safety rules, like using seat belts or the appropriate car seat or booster. And 80% of caregivers have noticed others doing the same. No matter who's driving, no matter how short the car ride is, make sure every ride is a safe one. Everyone in your car should be buckled up, using the right car seat, booster seat, or seat belt for their age and size.