Trumbull Police Offer Back To School Safety Tips For Residents

TRUMBULL, CT — As summer comes to an end and more cars and buses are present on local roads, Trumbull police remind residents of some back to school safety tips for both kids and parents.

As children return to school in Trumbull, there will be an increase in vehicular and pedestrian traffic as students wait for buses and walk to and from school, police said in a news release.

Many students will also be driven to and from school at various times of the day, including for after school activities. School faculty members will also add to the volume of traffic on roads during these times, police said.

"School buses will be hitting the roads again and we urge you to drive with caution, watch for children and never drive distracted," police said in a news release. "It is very important to recognize that there may be frequent school bus stops along their routes when students will be boarding and disembarking. Children wait at bus stops near busy roads during rush hour, and buses share the road with us all."

According to police, the biggest risk regarding school buses is children approaching and exiting the bus. Children do not typically remember to follow best safety practices, so it is up to the drivers in town to keep safety in mind, police said.

As children return to school, drivers are asked to:

• Stay alert and not be 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.
• Be cautious around and brake for school buses (red flashing lights means the bus is loading or unloading).

It is extremely important for drivers to slow down in schools zones and to pay attention when kids are present, especially before and after school, police said. Vehicles must stop for a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing and has its stop sign extended.

This applies to all drivers, regardless of their direction of travel, police said. Anyone approaching a school bus with such signals must stop.

School bus violations are strictly enforced and carry a fine of $475, according to police.

"Parents, please take some time and talk with your children about their safety as well," police said. "Explain the dangers of being in or near the roadway and how they should always wait for their bus at a safe distance from the road. 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 you have children that walk to and from school, or the bus stop, try to have them walk in a group."

Police said it is also important that children understand they must never approach any vehicles that are not known to them and never accept a ride from a stranger.

"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," police 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!"

More information is available here.