Full Notification

We encourage all motorists to be mindful of school zones and school bus safety as the school year begins. After months and months of driving without school bus drop-offs/pick-ups, drivers can often forget the challenges of driving in school zones.

With the safety of children a primary concern, Officers will be out and about monitoring school zones in Town to ensure motorists are safe and follow the law.

Here are a few safety tips and legal reminders as the school year begins:

 Tips for Drivers

• Follow the Speed Limit – Slow down! All schools have reduced speed zones around them. Following the speed limit reduces the chances of being in a crash and improves the chances of survival if an accident does occur. The simplest thing any driver can do when there are new driving hazards is to slow down.
• Allow More Time. There may be increased traffic or changes in the traffic pattern as more families decide to walk or drive their children to school. Allow yourself more time to get where you are going until you can determine the effects of increased traffic. 
• Stay Alert! Make a mental note of any new/existing bus stops or students walking to and from school. This way you won’t be surprised and will be prepared if you need to stop.
• Stop for School Buses. When the red lights are flashing, stop. It is against the law to pass a school bus when the lights are on, regardless of location.
• Use a What If Strategy. What if that child darts out in front of me? What if that car stops short? Remember young children are not able to determine the speed of an oncoming vehicle and may take risks crossing the street. Use the “what if” strategy to keep you alert.
• Yield to Pedestrians. Remember to yield to children/parents in crosswalks. When a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, they have the right-of-way.
• Talk with Teen Drivers. Remind your teen drivers about the importance of being extra careful in and around school zones.
• Watch out for Crossing Guards and obey their signs.
• Buses Make Frequent Stops. Children may unexpectedly run into traffic or out of the bus. When a bus stops, assume children are in the immediate area and be attentive.

Tips for Parents

• Help your children learn and practice the safety rules for walking, bicycling, or riding in a passenger car, school bus, or transit bus.
• Supervise young children as they are walking or biking to school and as they wait at the bus stop.
• Be a good role model, especially when you are with your kids. Always buckle up in the car, wear a helmet when biking, and follow pedestrian safety rules.

Tips for Students

• Always buckle up when you’re riding in a car.
• Always ride in the back seat. It’s the safest place for young people.
• Always wear a helmet and follow traffic safety rules when riding your bike.
• If you ride a school bus, learn and practice the safety rules for waiting at the bus stop, getting on and off, and riding the bus.
• If you walk to school, learn and practice the safety rules for pedestrians. Always cross at crosswalks, obey all traffic signs, traffic lights, and safety patrol instructions.
• Be a good role model for your younger brothers and sisters and friends, and help them learn and practice the safety rules.

Slow Down and Stay Alert!

 James D. Carroll

 Chief of Police