Westport Schools Start Monday, Aug. 25 -- Be Safe!

Westport town government issued this news release Monday about school safety:

With the Westport Public Schools beginning on [Monday] Aug. 25 the Westport Police Department has stepped up it enforcement efforts targeting traffic violators in school zones with a “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign, focusing on traffic safety in and around the school areas.

Westport Officers have been targeting individuals who are using cell phones and speeding in school zones to raise awareness on school safety in Westport.

“The goal of the Westport Police Department is to protect children from motorists who disregard the law, especially around the school zones” said Captain Sam Arciola.

“However, we must continue to educate motorists, parents and children on the importance of safe pedestrian movement and accident prevention in order to ensure traffic safety. We all have a responsibility to make sure children travel to and from school safely.”

“We remind motorists to exercise caution, slow down in school zones and around school buses and remain alert” said Chief of Police Dale E. Call.

“Our Officers will not hesitate to hand out citations but that is not our objective. This enforcement campaign is designed to encourage everyone to practice safe driving and pedestrian habits.”

The Westport Police Department is offering these safety tips:

For Children–Getting On and Off the Bus Safely

• Always remain in direct eyesight of the bus driver;
• Get to the bus stop in plenty of time;
• Take ten giant steps back from the curb while waiting for the bus and ten steps when exiting the bus;
• Never try to get anything left on the bus after exiting;
• Never reach underneath the bus;
• Always follow the driver’s directions for how to cross the street;
• Be alert to traffic and look both ways;
• Always cross in front of the bus, but only when the bus driver signals it is safe to do so;
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street;
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus;
• When exiting, look before stepping off the bus to be sure no cars are passing on the shoulder (side of the road). Move away from the bus.
• Before crossing the street, take ten “giant steps” out from the front of the bus, or until the driver’s face can be seen. Wait for the driver to signal that it’s safe to cross;
• Look left-right-left when coming to the edge of the bus to make sure traffic is stopped. Keep watching traffic when crossing;
• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road concerning school buses. However, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!

For Parents

• Supervise children to make sure they get to the stop on time, wait far away from the road and avoid rough play.
• Teach your child to ask the driver for help if he/she drops something near the bus. If a child bends down to pick up something, the driver cannot see him/her and the child may be hit by the bus.
• Have your child use a backpack or book bag to keep loose items together.