North Haven Fire Department Reminds Residents About Back to School Safety

NORTH HAVEN -- As students return to school, Chief Paul Januszewski and the North Haven Fire Department would like to provide safety tips for residents to ensure a safe and smooth transition for all.

Students in the North Haven Public Schools will begin classes on Thursday, Sept. 1.

"We understand that the transition back to school in the fall can be a hectic and stressful time for everyone," Januszewski said. "It is important that all residents consider the safety tips provided to ensure that our students and everyone on the road remains safe."

North Haven Fire recommends that residents follow several safety tips outlined by the National Safety Council:

If you're dropping off

• Do not double park. It blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.

• Do not load or unload children across the street from the school.

Additionally, North Haven fire officials remind parents and guardians dropping off and/or picking up students to never park in or block the fire lane. Any obstruction of a fire lane can delay or prevent emergency operations from proceeding. Parking tickets will be issued to those who are found parking in any fire lane.

Share the road with young pedestrians

According to the National Safety Council, the majority of children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old. While walking, they are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus. The initial fine for illegally passing a school bus is $250, with repeat offenders facing increased fines, as well as license suspensions and revocations.

• Do not block the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn. This forces pedestrians to go around you and could put them in the path of moving traffic.

• In a school zone, when flashers are blinking, stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.

• Always stop for a school patrol officer or crossing guard holding up a stop sign and never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

Share the road with buses

• Never pass a bus from behind – or from either direction if you're on an undivided road – if it is stopped to load or unload children.

• If the yellow or red lights are flashing and the stop arm is extended, traffic must stop.

• The area 10 feet around a school bus is the most dangerous for children. Stop far enough back to allow them space to safely enter and exit the bus.

• Be alert. Children often are unpredictable and they tend to ignore hazards and take risks.

Protect new teenage drivers

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reminds parents to set the rules before they hit the road with "Five to Drive":

• No cell phones while driving

• No extra passengers

• No speeding

• No alcohol

• No driving or riding without a seat belt

Contributed article / File photo