Full Notification

The Ridgefield Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents that Borough schools will be open tomorrow for their first day.  As you drive along Borough streets, please do so with caution and obey all speed limit and stop signs.  As you travel through school zones, please exercise patience and be prepared to stop.  See some additional safety points below:

Don't block the crosswalks when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn, forcing pedestrians to go around you; this could put them in the path of moving traffic.

In a school zone when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.

Always stop for a school crossing guards holding up a stop sign.

Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.

Don't honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.

Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

Always use extreme caution when approaching pedestrians wherever they may be, no matter who has the right of way.

Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.

If the yellow or red lights are flashing on a school bus and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.

The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children; stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.

Be alert; children often are unpredictable, and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

By exercising a little extra care and caution, drivers and pedestrians can co-exist safely in school zones.  We all have a part in safety which can avoid a tragedy.  128