Rialto, Calif. – As students head back to the classroom, schools and the communities around them are going to be busier than they have been since the start of the pandemic.
The Rialto Police Department reminds everyone to stay aware and stay safe with increased traffic returning to school zones.
There are going to be a lot more parents, students, and staff out than residents have seen in more than a year,” Chief Mark Kling said. “Remember to please drive carefully in school zones, your children’s safety is our top priority.
This includes remembering what to do around school buses.
“When you encounter a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights remember to stop your vehicle and allow the children to safely exit,” Chief Mark Kling said. “It keeps the children safe and is also the law.”
California law requires drivers to stop when a school bus is in front of them and extends its stop sign with flashing red lights. Drivers must remain stopped if the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.
The Rialto Police Department offers the following tips to stay safe around schools:
- Slow down.
- Follow any school rules for dropping off or picking up students.
- Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.
- Whenever possible, avoid blocking the crosswalk while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
- Always look both ways before crossing the street. Make sure cars see you.
- Walk on sidewalks, when available. Cross at marked crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals.
- Watch for cars entering or backing out of driveways or leaving parking spaces.
Natalie
Aguirre Date: October 4, 2021
Community Outreach Specialist
(909) 421-4924
[email protected]
