Full Notification

 
Very soon, thousands of children will be returning to school.  Some will be walking to and from - many for the first time.  Everyone who drives has a responsibility to be especially careful during this busy time for youngsters.  The Pelham Police Department would like to remind you of some important information to ensure the safety of all of our children. 
           
Unfortunately, children tend to be at greater risk during the back-to-school period because they are thinking more about seeing old friends and new teachers than watching for cars and trucks.  Others are going to school for the first time.
           
Drivers should be especially cautious in school areas, keeping their speed at or below posted limits and being prepared to stop, on both sides of the street, for school buses with flashing red lights, as required by New York State law.         
           
Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year.  Make sure you know them for the safety of all children. 

The Pelham Police Department wishes all students, teachers and staff headed back to school a safe and enriching year despite the additional challenges we are facing due to the coronavirus.   
 
The following pedestrian safety tips apply to all school zones:

• Look all ways before crossing the street.
• Cross only at corners.
• Obey police officers, school crossing guards, and traffic signals.
• Watch for turning cars.
• Don’t double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Don’t load or unload children across the street from the school.
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.
• If you have to drop your child off and you cannot drop off on school property, please make every effort to drop them off at an intersection with a crosswalk and a crossing guard.
• Don’t block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light.  This will force pedestrians to go around you and could put them in the path of moving traffic.
• Observe and obey all posted school zone speed limits.