It’s hard to believe it, but it’s time for students to return to school! That means school buses will soon be running their routes, and students will be riding their bikes and walking to school. Whether you’re a parent with a child attending school or not, we’re using our A Safer Naper campaign this month to remind ALL of you of some important safety tips to keep everyone safe this school year.
Especially this time of year, drivers need to slow down, allow extra time to reach your destination and be prepared for the unexpected. Children can be unpredictable and don’t always look before they cross the street or ride their bikes through an intersection. Therefore, remember when entering a school zone to slow down to 20 mph and be extra alert for children on foot and on bicycles.
Always come to a complete stop at stop signs. A complete stop is when there is no forward momentum and the needle on the speedometer is at 0. Also, be sure to check carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding and remember to obey crossing guards and student safety patrols.
Every year, we see countless vehicles going around or not stopping for a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. This can have deadly consequences. Be cautious when approaching school buses and remember that it is illegal to proceed around a school bus with the stop sign arm extended. You must come to a complete stop and remain stopped until the stop signal arm is no longer extended and the flashing lights are turned off or the driver signals you to pass. Please be patient as children enter and exit school buses.
Another safe driving tip is to eliminate distractions. Leave time in the morning to eat and groom before entering your vehicle and stay off the phone while driving. Remember it is illegal to use a hand-held device while driving. This includes texting!
For families with children returning to school, be sure they know their address and the cell phone number of at least one parent. Have them always walk to school with an adult, friend or group and remind them how to safely use crosswalks. Safe walk routes for every school can be found at www.naperville.il.us/walkroutes. Additionally, discuss with your student to never leave school with anyone they haven’t been instructed to leave with by you and to “check first” with you or another trusted adult before going anywhere with anyone.
For more helpful back-to-school safety tips, visit www.naperville.il.us/backtoschool. Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
