Waterford Police Offer Helpful Tips For Back to School Safety

WATERFORD, CT – In light of the end of summer vacation, Police have taken to social media to remind everyone that all Waterford Public Schools begin Wednesday.

Police advise travelers to plan ahead, as the morning and afternoon commutes will take more time as students prepare for school. Crossing guards will be in the roadway and delays can be expected as the first few days of school unfold, according to a post on the department's Facebook page.

Autumn is the most dangerous time of year for pedestrians, according to a report by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHSTA), with 29 percent of pedestrian-related fatalities happening in the fall.

Police included some tips to keep everyone safe as kids head back to school:

• Respect the big yellow bus and do your part to make the bus drivers' lives easier. Yield when they are attempting to merge, and maintain a significant distance behind them, as they often make unexpected stops. Make sure children know to walk in front, never in back, of buses.
• Abide by speed limits and look out for pedestrians, keeping a foot on the brake. School zones are home to newly licensed teenagers who are largely inexperienced and young children may run unexpectedly on the first day.
• Speed limits aren't just for during school hours either - consider after-school marching band practice, late night football games, and other events.
• When dropping kids off, remember that curbs are reserved for buses and emergency vehicles, so you shouldn't loiter.
• Don’t jaywalk, cross at a red light, or text while walking. Remember to be a good pedestrian by crossing at corners or marked crosswalks and in clear view.
• Never cross between parked cars and wait for the crossing guard before stepping into the roadway.