Back To School Brings Safety Reminders From Point Pleasant Police

POINT PLEASANT, NJ — With classes for the 2022-23 school year beginning Tuesday in Point Pleasant, the Point Pleasant Police Department issued safety reminders for drivers as well as students and adults walking to and from school.

"Whether children walk to school, ride their bicycles, take the bus or get a ride, it is important that they take proper safety precautions," police said. "Remind teen drivers to stay focused on the road and to avoid using their cell phones while behind the wheel."

The police department said the warm days in September means it is likely kids will still be out walking, playing and riding bicycles.

"It’s important for all motorists to stay alert, avoid distractions and obey the speed limits," the department said.

Police offered the following reminders:

• Avoid distractions when driving and walking.
• Drivers should pull over and out of the way of traffic if they must use their cell phone.
• Pedestrians should not cross the street while using a cell phone.
• Keep your head up and your phone down so that you are aware of your surroundings.
• Drivers should be extra-vigilant during back-to-school season — keep an eye out for children who may enter the road, and obey the speed limit.
• Motorists must stop for pedestrians in New Jersey — it’s the law.
• Drivers should never pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk or near an intersection as they may be waiting for a pedestrian to cross.
• Drivers should never pass a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended. It's against the law.
• Children riding the bus should stay away from traffic and pay attention while they are waiting for the bus to arrive.
• Use crosswalks or cross at corners where crosswalks are not present. Do not cross between parked cars.
• Do not cross against a traffic signal — wait for the walk signal.
• Look left, right and then left again before crossing the street.
• Keep an eye out for turning vehicles who may not see you.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to ensure that they see you.
• Use sidewalks. When sidewalks are not available, walk against traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Ride your bicycle with the flow of traffic, follow the rules of the road and always wear a helmet.
• Wear reflective clothing or accessories if you’re going to be out at dusk or in the dark.