08/24/2024
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As another school year is upon us, the Stamford Police Department would like to offer some safety tips for this time of year. Everyone should expect additional vehicular and pedestrian traffic, particularly in those areas where schools are located. Some students will be walking to school, some will be driven to school, and others will be transported by school bus. Crossing guards will be present in many area to assist, but, remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Safety tips for children and teens:
Always walk on sidewalks when they are available. If a roadway you are walking on has no sidewalk, please walk as close to the shoulder of the roadway as possible.
Always cross any roadway at a marked crosswalk or intersection. Do not cross between parked vehicles.
Always obey the directions of a crossing guard. Wait for the crossing guard to stop traffic and tell you it is okay to proceed.
Try to make eye contact with vehicle operators, and signal that you are attempting to cross the street.
Do not walk while being distracted by a cell phone or any other type of electronic device.
If you are riding a bicycle, please wear a proper fitting and approved helmet when you are riding.
Remember that when riding a bicycle you must obey the rules of the road just as a vehicle must.
Safety tips for drivers:
Always remain alert, watch for pedestrians, especially children, cyclists and school buses.
Obey all traffic rules, signs, and signals.
Obey all speed limits in school zones, fines are significantly increased in school zones.
Do not block crosswalks
Stay off of your cell phone while driving.
Watch for children gathered at school bus stops.
Watch for crossing guards and obey their signals, if a crossing guard tells you to stop, you must stop until they say it is okay to move again.
Drop off and pick up children in designated areas.
Do not let children exit your vehicle on the side where traffic is flowing.
Pass bicyclists slowly and carefully, by law you must be at least 3 feet away while passing.
You may notice increased enforcement near school zones at the beginning of the school year. Focus will be on speeding and distracted driving enforcement. Student and pedestrian safety is a top priority. Utilizing some of these tips will make our school communities safer.