Trumbull Police Offer Back To School Safety Tips

TRUMBULL, CT — As another summer season winds down and schools reopen, Trumbull police would like to remind everyone of some safety tips for this time of year.

In a news release, Police Lt. Brian Weir said additional vehicular traffic is expected, and there will also be an increase of pedestrians on the roads as students walk to and from bus stops and their schools.

Other students will be driven to and from schools at various times to include after school activities. School faculty members will also add to the increased traffic on the roadways during various times, Weir said.

"Back to school safety is not just for kids and their parents," Weir said in a news release, "but it affects everyone in the community."

As school buses begin to travel on the roads again, police urge residents to drive with caution, watch for children and never drive distracted. According to Weir, it is very important to recognize that there may be frequent school bus stops with students boarding and disembarking.

Children wait at bus stops near busy roads during rush hour, and buses share the road with all of us. The biggest risk regarding school buses is children approaching and exiting buses, Weir said.

Often children do not remember to follow the best safety practices, so it is up to the motorists in the community to keep safety in mind, Weir said.

According to Weir, drivers are asked to stay alert and refrain from being distracted by their phone or other means, observe and obey school zone speeds, watch for and obey crossing guards, be prepared for any darting children and be cautious around and brake for school buses; red flashing lights means that students will be boarding and disembarking.

It is extremely important for drivers to slow down in school zones and to pay attention when kids are present, especially before and after school, Weir said.

According to Weir, vehicles must stop for a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing and has its stop sign extended. This applies regardless of direction of travel.

If you are approaching a school bus with its signals activated, drivers must stop. School bus violations are strictly enforced and carry a fine of $475, Weir said.

"Pedestrians also need to be aware of their surroundings when walking or crossing the street," Weir said. "Be certain that motorists have stopped and are aware of your presence before entering or crossing the roadway."

Weir urged parents to take some time and talk with their children about their safety as well. Explain the dangers of being in the roadway and how they should always wait for their bus at a safe distance from the road.

According to Weir, children should never enter the roadway, even if their bus has stopped to pick them up, until they have made sure that traffic has stopped in both directions. If a resident has children that walk to and from school, or the bus stop, try to have them walk in a group.

It is also important that children understand that they must never approach any vehicles that are not known to them and never accept a ride from a stranger. The safety of children in town is of the utmost importance, Weir said.

"As we begin a new school year, we want to stress that student safety is our top priority, and we are always working to ensure that children are safe," Weir said. "A safe community for children is a safe community for us all. Whether you are a student, parent, or a member of the community, these tips can help make the school year safe and happy for everyone. The Trumbull Police Department would like to work together to make this a safe and successful school year for all!"

The following safety tips for children and teens were provided by Trumbull police:

• Always walk on sidewalks, whenever they are available.
• Always cross at intersections and designated crosswalks; not between parked cars.
• Look for traffic when stepping off a bus or from behind parked cars.
• Always obey crossing guards. Wait for a crossing guard to control traffic before crossing the street.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Never assume a driver sees you.
• When walking, don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes and ears off the road.
• Always wear a secure-fitting, safety-approved helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Bicycles must be ridden on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic. Bicyclists must also follow the same rules of the road as motorists.

The following safety tips for drivers were also provided by Trumbull police:

• Always remain alert. Watch for pedestrians, children, cyclists and school busses.
• Obey all traffic rules, signs and signals.
• Follow speed limits and be aware of school zones. Do not block the crosswalk.
• Put away your cellphone. We will be watching for distracted drivers!
• Keep an eye on children gathered at bus stops.
• Be alert for children who might dart across the street or between vehicles.
• Watch for crossing guards at crosswalks within school zones. Come to a complete stop while the crossing guard has their stop sign displayed and until all pedestrians have exited the crosswalk.
• Drop off and pick up your children in your school’s designated areas.
• Do not let your children exit a car on the traffic side of your vehicle.
• Pass a bicyclist with caution as you would a slow-moving vehicle, and only when safe.